Category Archives: Neuroimaging

Functional MRI fMRI
4
Feb

Overview

fMRI detects blood oxygen level dependent BOLD signal changes related to neuronal activity enabling functional mapping of brain regions.

Technique

Task based or resting state paradigms and careful preprocessing are required for reliable activation maps.

Clinical Uses

Preoperative functional mapping for language and motor areas and research into brain networks and cognition.

Limitations and Safety

Susceptible to motion and physiologic noise. Interpretation requires expertise and correlation with clinical data.

Diffusion MRI DWI DTI
4
Feb

Overview

Diffusion weighted imaging detects restricted diffusion in acute ischemia. Diffusion tensor imaging maps white matter tracts and integrity.

Technique

b values gradient directions and postprocessing such as tractography determine sensitivity and specificity.

Clinical Uses

Acute stroke detection tumor characterization and white matter tract mapping for surgical planning.

Limitations and Safety

Artifacts near air bone interfaces and susceptibility effects can degrade images.