Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)
Similar to functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), fNIRS measures blood flow changes in the brain, or the hemodynamic response. The fNIRS system is quiet, small, and motion tolerant — thus making it a child-friendly imaging method. Importantly, fNIRS allows for the study of awake and calm infants, children, and adults, as well as the study of populations that cannot safely undergo fMRI or EEG. The system uses near infrared light, which passes into the brain to detect the changes in blood oxygenation. These changes reflect brain function and brain physiology.
