Imaging methods play an important role in the evaluation of diseases related to the brain and nervous system. While Brain MRI helps examine the structural characteristics of the brain, advanced MRI techniques used when necessary can provide more detailed answers to different clinical questions.
What are Brain Imaging Methods?
The method to be used in brain imaging varies depending on the patient's symptoms and the clinical condition being investigated. While a standard brain MRI is sufficient for some patients, advanced MRI techniques may be required in other cases.
The main methods and applications used in brain imaging are:
- Skull Radiography (Skull X-ray)
- Transfontanelle Cranial USG
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- 3 Tesla MRI
- Functional MRI (fMRI)
- Diffusion MRI and DTI
- MR Spectroscopy
- Perfusion MRI
- Volumetric Brain MRI Analysis
Skull Radiography (Skull X-ray)
Skull radiography, is a radiological examination method that allows the visualization of skull bones using X-rays.
It can be used in the evaluation of certain structural changes in the skull bones, bone lesions, specific foreign bodies, and certain surgically implanted medical materials.
Today, methods such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are generally preferred in cases of head trauma and situations where detailed evaluation of the brain tissue is required. Whether skull radiography is necessary is determined by the physician based on the patient's clinical condition and the findings being investigated.
Transfontanelle Ultrasonography (USG)
Transfontanelle ultrasonography (USG), is an ultrasonography method that allows the visualization of brain structures using sound waves in newborns and infants whose fontanelle has not yet closed.
This method can be used particularly in the evaluation of intraventricular hemorrhages, enlargement of the brain ventricles (hydrocephalus), and certain structural changes in premature infants.
Ionizing radiation is not used in transfontanelle USG. The examination is generally performed through the anterior fontanelle. The obtained findings are evaluated together with the patient's clinical condition, and additional imaging methods such as MRI or CT can be utilized when deemed necessary.
Computed Tomography (CT)
Computed Tomography (CT), is a radiological imaging method that enables obtaining cross-sectional images of the brain and intracranial structures using X-rays.
Brain computed tomography can be used particularly in the evaluation of brain hemorrhage, head trauma, suspected stroke, skull fractures, and certain brain lesions. Because it provides rapid imaging, it can be preferred especially in situations requiring emergency intervention.
Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide information tailored to different clinical needs. While ionizing radiation is used in CT, it is not used in MRI. Which imaging method is necessary is determined by the physician based on the patient's complaints, examination findings, and the clinical condition being investigated.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), is one of the radiological imaging methods that provides detailed visualization of the brain and nervous system structures.
Ionizing radiation is not used in MRI. Brain MRI may be requested by a physician to investigate the causes of neurological complaints, to evaluate changes in brain tissue, or to monitor a known disease.
Brain MRI can be used particularly in the evaluation of;
- Brain tumors,
- Cerebrovascular diseases,
- Demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis,
- Certain structural changes associated with epilepsy,
- Infections and inflammations,
- Changes in memory and cognitive functions
can be used.
The same MRI protocol is not applied to every patient. The scope of the scan is determined based on the patient's clinical condition.
What is 3 Tesla MRI?
3 Tesla MRI, refers to the magnetic field strength of the MRI device. It can allow the application of certain advanced MRI techniques in addition to standard MRI examinations in brain and nervous system imaging.
Depending on clinical necessity, with 3 Tesla MRI;
- Standard brain MRI,
- Functional MRI,
- Diffusion MRI and DTI,
- MR spectroscopy,
- Perfusion MRI,
- Volumetric brain MRI
imaging methods can be utilized.
3 Tesla MRI does not mean that all advanced techniques will be applied to every patient. Which examination is necessary is decided based on the patient's clinical need.
Functional MRI (fMRI)
Functional MRI (fMRI), is one of the advanced MRI methods that helps evaluate which regions of the brain become active during specific tasks.
Functional MRI can be used particularly in the evaluation of brain regions associated with speech, movement, and certain cognitive functions.
In selected patients, especially prior to brain surgery, it can help evaluate the relationship of brain areas responsible for critical functions with the lesion.
Functional MRI is also used in research conducted in the fields of neuroscience and psychiatry. However, it does not diagnose a psychiatric disease on its own.
Diffusion MRI and DTI
Diffusion MRI, is a special MRI method that helps evaluate certain changes in brain tissue. It is one of the frequently used imaging techniques, especially in suspected acute stroke.
DTI (Diffusion Tensor Imaging), on the other hand, helps evaluate the white matter tracts formed by the nerve connections of the brain.
DTI can be used particularly for;
- Evaluating the relationship of brain lesions with nerve tracts,
- Examining nerve connections in certain neurological diseases,
- Assisting in surgical planning when necessary
can be used.
MR Spectroscopy
MR spectroscopy, is an advanced MRI method that provides information about certain metabolic changes in brain tissue in addition to standard MRI images.
It can be used to provide additional information to standard MRI, particularly in the evaluation of certain brain tumors and brain lesions.
The result of MR spectroscopy is not diagnostic on its own. The obtained findings are evaluated together with standard MRI images and the patient's clinical condition.
Perfusion MRI
Perfusion MRI, is an imaging method that helps evaluate the perfusion (blood supply) characteristics of brain tissue.
It can be used particularly in certain brain tumors, cerebrovascular diseases, and when more detailed evaluation of certain changes seen on standard MRI is required.
Whether perfusion MRI will be applied and which method will be used are determined based on the patient's clinical condition.
Volumetric Brain MRI Analysis
Volumetric brain MRI analysis, is an imaging method that helps measure the volumes of specific regions of the brain.
It can provide additional information in patients deemed necessary, particularly in the evaluation of memory problems and cognitive changes.
In the evaluation of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, volumetric MRI results can be considered together with clinical findings and neuropsychological tests.
Volumetric MRI does not diagnose a disease on its own.
