FMRI scan

• What does FMRI stand for?

  Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• How does FMRI measure brain activity?

  It measures brain activity by associating it with blood flow.
• What happens to blood flow in the brain as neural activity increases?

  Blood flow increases in active areas to meet oxygen demand.
• What aligns with the direction of the magnetic field in FMRI?

  The nuclei with hydrogen molecules in water align with the magnetic field.
• What role does haemoglobin play in FMRI?

  Haemoglobin carries oxygen to neurons in red blood cells.
• How does oxygenated haemoglobin behave in a magnetic field?

  Oxygenated haemoglobin repels the magnetic field (diamagnetic).
• What happens to deoxygenated haemoglobin in a magnetic field?

  Deoxygenated haemoglobin follows the direction of the magnetic field (paramagnetic).
• What does the FMRI scanner detect to create an image?

  The scanner detects changes in magnetic properties of haemoglobin.
• What is the process by which FMRI helps understand brain function?


  • Sends information to a computer
  • Creates a map of activation
  • Shows changing levels of neural activity
  • Reflects different brain areas during tasks
• What is a strength of FMRI compared to PET scans?

  FMRI is non-invasive and does not involve injections of radioactive substances.
• What is a disadvantage of FMRI?

  It can cause high-powered magnetic fields that some patients cannot tolerate.
• Who may not be suitable for FMRI scans?

  Patients with pacemakers or recent metal surgical implants may not be suitable.
• What might happen to patients who are claustrophobic during an FMRI scan?

  They may become stressed due to confined spaces.
• What can PET scans map in the brain?

  PET scans can map different types of chemicals in the brain.
• What is a limitation of PET scans regarding patient movement?

  Patients cannot move, or the scan is badly affected.
• What does FMRI stand for?

  Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• How does FMRI measure brain activity?

  By measuring blood flow in the brain
• What is the primary difference between FMRI and PET scans?

  FMRI measures blood flow, while PET measures glucose