Activation of area V5 by visual perception of motion demonstrated with echoplanar MR imaging

Cortical activation in visual association areas known to be responsible for the perception of motion was investigated in two volunteers who viewed a projected animated cartoon periodically “run” and “frozen” during collection of echoplanar MR images. Ten axial, contiguous, 5 mm thick, T2-weighted, gradient-echo images (TE 40 ms, TR 3000 ms) depicting BOLD contrast were acquired through the occipital lobe using a GE Signa 1.5 T system with an advanced NMR operating console. Images were analysed by time series regression modelling estimating power in the MR signal at the ON-OFF frequency of motion. Highly significant activation in response to motion perception was identified in both subjects bilaterally in area V5.