Functional MRI
As a result of the advancements in medical imaging, the utilization of MRI enables the depiction of lesion tissues and the visualization of structural changes within the brain. Moreover, it facilitates the examination and recording of human functional activity in various regions of the brain.
The visualization of brain tissue activity becomes apparent when there is heightened nerve activity in a specific brain region while the patient engages in a task, such as hand movement or speech. For instance, the patient may be instructed to move their index finger or repeat a word during the imaging process. This activation triggers alterations in electrical activity and a subsequent increase in blood flow within the motor area of the brain. Consequently, when a particular brain region is utilized, its blood flow surpasses that of other regions, leading to an increase in blood oxygen concentration. Ultimately, these changes cause a difference in the received signal intensity of that specific brain tissue that can be measured by the MRI machine.
The application of fMRI in brain surgeries . .
The application of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in brain surgeries serves as a valuable tool for surgical planning. For instance, when a neurosurgeon intends to excise a tumor located in proximity to critical functional centers responsible for speech, movement, vision, or other vital brain functions, they can request an fMRI scan to precisely ascertain the tumor's distance from each of these centers. These imaging results effectively guide the surgeon in preserving the integrity of these activity-associated areas during the surgical procedure, thereby minimizing the risk of inadvertent damage.
The results of the fMRI data analysis in relation to a patient with a lesion adjacent to the motor cortex of the right hand
A 3D reconstruction depicts the tumor (highlighted in yellow), edema (depicted in white), and the areas of brain activity associated with the right hand (shown in red).
Tests available at the center include
- Speech tests: These tests aim to activate the speech motor centers (Broca's area) and speech sensory centers (Wernicke's area).
- Motor tests: These tests are designed to assess the activity of motor centers responsible for hand, foot, lip, and tongue movements.
- Memory tests: These tests are specifically designed to investigate the activity of the hippocampus, a region crucial for memory functions.
- Vision test: This test is designed to evaluate the activity of the visual area located in the occipital lobe.
- Hearing test: This test is conducted to assess the activity of areas associated with hearing and auditory comprehension.
- Olfactory test: This test examines the activity of the olfactory centers involved in the sense of smell.
fMRI is requested in the following cases . ..
- Presurgical planning: It is utilized to aid in the planning process before brain surgery.
- Treatment design: It is employed in the design phase prior to invasive brain treatments, such as radiotherapy.
- Diagnosis of brain and nerve diseases impacting human performance.
- Diagnosis of behavioral disorders affecting human performance.
- Assessment of diseases affecting language, memory, sensory perception, movement, hearing, vision, smell, behavior, or addiction.
- Evaluation of treatment efficacy in psychotherapy, neurorehabilitation, neurological diseases, psychiatric treatments, and addiction.
- Specialized or differential diagnoses that cannot be achieved through conventional imaging methods.
Prescription guidelines include
- Specifying the type and location of brain imaging required, or indicating the need for structural imaging in the prescription.
- Identifying the specific reason for requesting specialized imaging in the prescription.
- In the prescription or accompanying forms, it is crucial to document the patient's medical history, including the disease's progression and significant therapeutic interventions.
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