A magnetic resonance (MR) imaging method for detecting neuronal activity in a subjects brain comprises performing a first MR imaging sequence part (a) comprising a preparatory spin-locking pulse sequence part followed by a GE-EPI acquisition pulse sequence part, followed by a second MR imaging sequence part (b) comprising the same acquisition pulse sequence part without a preceding spin-locking pulse sequence part, whereafter steps (a) and (b) are repeated for a predetermined number of instances, each time using a different initial spin-lock phase. In order to detect neuronal activity in a subjects brain the MR imaging method is carried out with the subjects brain positioned in the MR imaging system. Difference MR data are obtained by subtracting said second MR data from said first MR data, wherein zones of comparatively high brightness are indicative of high-frequency neuronal currents.
