A MR-compatible finger stimulator for simultaneous pressure and heat stimulation

Abstract

In this study, a Magnetic Resonance (MR)-compatible finger stimulator was developed that can display pressure and heat stimulation simultaneously. The developed finger stimulator consists of three parts: a main controller, drive units, and tactors. The main controller controls stimulation parameters such as stimulation intensity and time. The drive units operate pressure and heat tactors in response to commands from the main controller. The tactors display various pressure and heat stimulation quantitatively and simultaneously. The developed stimulator has many advantages in overall system, stimulation control, and tactor aspects. The new stimulator operated stably in MR circumstance without affecting MR images. Therefore, it can be used for the various intra-and inter-finger functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies on pressure and heat sensation. © (2014) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.