Functional+MRI

=Definition= Functional MRIs are a relatively new procedure that uses the the same resonance imaging as a regular MRI, but measures tiny metabolic changes that occur in active areas of the brain.

=Uses= Doctors often use this procedure to learn whether a brain is functioning normally, or is diseased or injured. This diagnostic method is also used to asses the potential risks of invasive treatments of the brain, such as surgery. FMRIs are also used for:
 * allowing the brain's anatomy to be examined
 * brain mapping: determine which parts of the brain are handling critical funcitons such as speech, movement, thought, and sensation
 * assesing trauma to the brain such as stroke or degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's
 * monitor the growth of brain tumors
 * guiding the process of surgery, radation therapy, or other surgical treatments for the brain

=Benefits and Potential Risks=

Benefits

 * fMRI is an imaging technique that is noninvasive and does not involve radiation exposure
 * fMRI helps physicians examine the brain and how it is functioning
 * fMRI helps detect abnormalities that could possibly be obscured using other imaging techniques, as well as assessing the normal functionality of the brain, which any other imaging techniques can not accomplish