Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is based on the same technology that Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses with one key difference. While MRI’s use a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed structural images, fMRIs show detailed images of blood flow and activity. This ability to view blood flow patterns allows our doctors to see beyond brain structure and into brain function.
FMRIs and advanced imaging have been used to evaluate conditions such as dementia, traumatic brain injury, and stroke. In addition, fMRI are used preoperatively so that neurosurgeons can be more confident in resecting brain tumors without injury to the eloquent brain