EEG/fMRI fusion based on independent component analysis: Integration of data-driven and model-driven methods

Simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) provide complementary noninvasive information of brain activity, and EEG/fMRI fusion can achieve higher spatiotemporal resolution than each modality separately. This focuses on independent component analysis (ICA)-based EEG/fMRI fusion. In order to appreciate the issues, we first describe the potential and limitations of the developed fusion approaches: fMRI-constrained EEG imaging, EEG-informed fMRI analysis, and symmetric fusion. We then outline some newly developed hybrid fusion techniques using ICA and the combination of data-/model-driven methods, with special mention of the spatiotemporal EEG/fMRI fusion (STEFF). Finally, we discuss the current trend in methodological development and the existing limitations for extrapolating neural dynamics.