Single-epoch analysis of interleaved evoked potentials and fMRI responses during steady-state visual stimulation

OBJECTIVE: Aim of the study was to record BOLD-fMRI interleaved with evoked potentials for single-epochs of visual stimulation and to investigate the possible relationship between these two measures.
METHODS: Sparse recording of fMRI and EEG allowed us to measure BOLD responses and evoked potentials on an epoch-by-epoch basis. To obtain robust estimates of evoked potentials, we used blocks of contrast-reversing visual stimuli eliciting steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs). For each block we acquired one volume of fMRI data and we then tested for co-variations between SSVEPs and fMRI signals. Our analyses tested for frequency-specific co-variation between the two measurements that could not be explained by the mere presence/absence of the visual stimulation.
RESULTS: Condition-specific single-epoch SSVEPs and fMRI responses were observed at occipital sites. Combined SSVEPs-fMRI analysis at the single-epoch level did not reveal any significant correlation between the two recordings. However, both signals contained stimulation-specific linear decreases that may relate to neuronal habituation.
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate robust estimation of single-epoch evoked potentials and fMRI responses during interleaved recording, using visual steady-state stimulation.
SIGNIFICANCE: Single-epochs analysis of evoked potentials and fMRI signals is feasible for interleaved SSVEPs-fMRI recordings.