fMRI

Question 1

What is an fMRI used for?

Answer 1

• Measuring and mapping brain activity based on blood flow and oxygenation

Question 2

How does an fMRI work?

Answer 2

• When neural activity increases, there is an increase in blood flow. The iron from the increased blood flow produced a magnetic field that the fMRI detects.

Question 3

What are helpful uses of an fMRI?

Answer 3

• To diagnose and further understand a variety of brain disorders
• Helps to detect and monitor the growth of brain tumors and other abnormalities
• Determines what brain areas are responsible for what functions

Question 4

What are some advantages of an fMRI?

Answer 4

• Non-invasive
• High resolution
• Can detect small changes

Question 5

What are some disadvantages of an fMRI?

Answer 5

• Expensive

- Can only look at blood flow, not neuron activity