Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
Studies of how the brain functions in healthy people use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure which areas of the brain are active while the person is doing a task, such as a memory test. fMRI gives an indication of which regions of the brain are associated with the task the person is doing, and hence gives us information about the functional structure of the brain.
Performing similar experiments in patient groups provides information on which regions may be functioning abnormally, thus increasing our understanding of the disease and potentially help us in developing preventative and therapeutic methods.
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS)
Proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy of the brain is a non-invasive, in vivo technique that allows investigation into regional chemical environments. Its complementary use with MR imaging sequences provides valuable insights into brain tumour characteristics, progression and response to treatment. Additionally, its sensitivity to brain dysfunction in the presence of apparently normal structural imaging has galvanised interest in its use as a biomarker of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)
Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is a MRI-based neuroimaging technique which makes it possible to visualize the location, orientation, and anisotropy of the brain's white matter tracts. DTI has tremendous implications to brain research, as it makes it possible to trace how fibres are connected in the brain, yielding a map of how the brain is wired.
DTI also has diagnostic implications by being able to pinpoint areas where normal water flow is disrupted, providing valuable information about the location of ROIs.
