Questions on fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging)

fire89zhao · New User Joined: 30 Nov 2006 Posts: 1

Hi

I would like to know more about brain scans.

Exactly how accurate is fMRI? And are there any risks involved over regular use of it (especially the BOLD signal that is still alien to us).

Lastly, are there any risks when we increase blood flow to the local arteries that accompanies neural activity of the brain?

Please advise
Thank you

brainman

I don't think there is an increased danger of a fMRI over a regular MRI. The only difference is that the doctors are looking at areas over higher function when certain stimuli are given.

BOLD changes within the brain all the time. fMRI just shows what stimuli changes BOLD in specific areas.
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promises · New User Joined: 03 Jan 2007 Posts: 5

I believe that an MRSI (S = spectroscopy) is more appropriate for following GBM than a functional MRI. It actually analyzes chemical components in the brain and can detect the difference between tumor, necrosis (dead tissue from treatments) and edema (fluid, swelling). An MRSI can tell you pretty accurately what you're dealing with.
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