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Functional MRI

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18 views12 pages

Functional MRI

Uploaded by

tayyabaslam3211
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1/12

HOW WE
CAN SEE
THE BRAIN
IN ACTION

Shams Al-Halawi
Radiological technologist
UNDERSTANDING
2/12

BRAIN ACTIVITY
1
The ability to detect changes in brain
activity has a biophysical basis in the
magnetic properties of deoxyhemoglobin,
and a physiological basis in the way blood
flow increases more than oxygen
metabolism when local neural activity
increases
-Non-invasive Technique
-No need for surgery or injections.
-High Spatial Resolution: Provides detailed
images of brain structures.
-Real-time Monitoring: Captures dynamic
changes in brain activity as they happen
3/12

CLINICAL
APPLICATIONS
2
Clinical Indication in Functional MRI:

Purpose:
To diagnose and plan treatment for neurological
conditions (e.g., tumors, epilepsy).

Used by doctors to locate critical areas before


surgery or to monitor disease progression.
4/12

CLINICAL
APPLICATIONS
3
-Stroke Detection:
dentifies affected brain regions, aiding in
treatment planning.

-Epilepsy Localization:
Pinpoints seizure origins, crucial for surgical
interventions.

-Tumor Mapping:
Differentiates between tumor types and assesses
their impact on brain function.
Thynk Unlimited 5/12

PHYSICS OF FMRI
-Magnetic Fields:

4
Uses strong magnetic fields (typically 1.5 to 3
Tesla) to align hydrogen protons in water
molecules within the brain.

-Radiofrequency Pulses:
Applies radiofrequency pulses that temporarily
knock these protons out of alignment.

-Relaxation and Signal Detection:


As protons realign with the magnetic field, they
emit energy in the form of signals.
This process is called relaxation.

-These signals are detected by the MRI scanner


and vary depending on local blood oxygen
levels.
Thynk Unlimited 6/12

PHYSICS OF FMRI
The Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD)

5 contrast mechanism is crucial:

- Active brain regions consume more oxygen,


altering local blood flow and increasing
deoxygenated hemoglobin concentration.
- Deoxygenated hemoglobin affects signal
strength because it has different magnetic
properties compared to oxygenated
hemoglobin.

By capturing these variations, fMRI creates


detailed images showing which parts of the
brain are active during specific tasks or stimuli.
7/12

BRAIN MAPPING
6 Brain Mapping in Functional MRI:

Purpose:

To identify and map specific brain regions


responsible for various functions (e.g.,
movement, speech).

Use:

Primarily used in research to understand


how different parts of the brain work
together during tasks or stimuli.
8/12

BRAIN MAPPING
7
Functional MRI (fMRI) is used to map
specific brain regions by detecting changes
in blood flow. When a brain area is more
active, it receives more oxygen-rich blood.

This technique helps identify areas


responsible for functions like movement,
speech, and memory by observing how
these regions respond during various tasks
or stimuli
9/12

BRAIN MAPPING
Functional MRI (fMRI) is used to map specific
brain regions by detecting changes in blood
flow.

8
When a brain area becomes more active,
neurons in that region consume more oxygen.
To meet this increased demand, the body sends
more oxygen-rich blood to the active area.
-Blood-Oxygen-Level Dependent (BOLD)
Signal:
fMRI measures the BOLD signal, which reflects
these changes in blood oxygen levels.
-Neuronal Activity: As neurons fire during tasks
or stimuli responses (like moving a limb or
recalling a memory), they require more energy
and thus more oxygen.
-Hemodynamic Response:
The hemodynamic response is the process of
increased blood flow following neuronal
activation.
This response can be detected and mapped
10/12

BRAIN MAPPING
Movement:The primary motor cortex
activates when you move different parts of

9
your body. For example, if you wiggle your
fingers or toes during the scan, this region
will show increased activity.
-Speech:Broca's area and Wernicke's area
are involved in speech production and
comprehension. If you speak or listen to
language during the scan, these areas will
light up.
-Memory:The hippocampus plays a key role
in forming new memories and recalling past
events. During memory tasks—like
remembering a list of words—this region
shows heightened activity.
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1
FUTURE
0 POTENTIAL
The non-invasive nature of functional MRI
(fMRI), combined with its high spatial
resolution, promises significant
advancements in both clinical and research
fields. This technology can improve
diagnosis and treatment of neurological
disorders, enhance our understanding of
brain functions, and support innovations in
cognitive neuroscience.
12/12

1
FUTURE
1 POTENTIAL
Functional MRI is revolutionizing our
approach to understanding the human
brain by providing detailed maps of brain
activity during various tasks and stimuli
responses. Its potential continues to grow
as we develop new techniques and
applications.

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