Noninvasive functional MRI in alert monkeys

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is now widely used to study human brain function. Alert monkey fMRI experiments have been used to localize functions and to compare the workings of the human and monkey brains. Monkey fMRI poses considerable challenges because of the monkey's small brain and naturally uncooperative disposition. While training can encourage monkeys to be more obliging during scanning, the usual procedure is to hold the monkey's head motionless by means of a surgically implanted head post. Such implants are invasive and require regular maintenance. In order to overcome these problems we developed a technique for holding monkeys' heads motionless during scanning using a custom-fitted plastic helmet, a chin strap, and a mild suction supplied by a vacuum blower. This vacuum helmet method is totally noninvasive and has shown no adverse effects after repeated use for several months. The motion of a trained monkey's head in the helmet during scanning was comparable to that of a trained monkey implanted with a conventional head post.