Stochastic resonance imaging - Stochastic resonance therapy: Preliminary studies considering brain as Stochastic processor

The novel field of Stochastic Resonance effect (SR) uses optimized pertur-bation or statistical fluctuation (so-called 'noise') to critically enhance the behaviour or sensitivity of a system to an input parameter or signal. We use SR to explore a new paradigm for increasing the efficiency of diagnostic and therapeutic radiology for the brain. Firstly, we demonstrate experimentally how SR enhances the neuroimaging process in MRI/fMRI, utilizing stochastic enhancement of paramagnetic relaxation of organometallic compounds as gadolinium-pentatate and deoxyhaemoglobin for imaging brain lesions or cognitive activation respectively. Case study on using SR for differentiating MRI scans of brain tumour recurrence versus necrosis is presented. Secondly, we show how SR can enhance gadolinium radiotherapy, or electrotherapy (deep brain electrostimulation). We present a model for therapetic SR for neoplastic or degenerative lesions. We outline the prospect of developing the emerging field of stochastic neuroscience, inspired by constructive noise-tissue interaction.