Magnetic+Resonance+Spectroscopy

toc =Defenition= The Magnetic Resonence Spectroscopy(MRS) maps out the distribution of elements to reveal more about how disease changes body chemistry. MRS helps provide a wealth of chemical information about a certain region in the body. MRS is also used to find information about chemical composition in the human body by determining the magnetic field that is experienced by the nucleus. The magnetic field is formed by the presence of electrons that are around the nucleus shield. Thus, the nuclei experience a shift in the [|__Lamor frequency__] as a result in their chemical structure. The chemical structure can be measued in two ways, in Hz or parts per million (ppm). PPM is used more often because it is independent on its magnetic strength. MRS is not used as much as an [|__MRI__] machine and is usually an additional procedure that can be added if needed. Since magnetic resonance topography can not provide absolute certainty, as [|__proven in individual cases__], magnetic resonance spectroscopy can help confirm the diagnosis when it is used as an additional treatment. Indications for individual cases in which clinical investigations and MR topography cannot provide sufficient certainty, magnetic resonance spectroscopy can furnish additional information.

=Magnetic Resonance Imaging verses Magnetic Resonanace Spectroscopy= Although magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonanace spectroscopy are different, they can both be performed at the same time. However, [|magnetic resonance spectroscopy]uses state of the art technology that, unlike an MRI machine, analyzes the chemical composition of proton (or hydrogen) based molecules. The chemical composition and integrity of functioning upper motor neurons in the brain are analyzed by the magnetic resonance spectroscopy machine. With an MRS machine, radio waves immerse the subject and allow the //magnetic moment// to result. In other words, the positively charged nucleus spins and, when hit with the right radio wave frequency, the magnetic moment of the element may tilt, or even flip. Different [|radio waves] are used to tilt or flip the nuclear spin, resulting in each element needing an individual and specific radio wave to accomplish this. An MRI machine images the body, just as an MRS machine images the body's chemestry. Both the MRI and the MRS machines use the same resonance phenominon. The best way for a patient to be treated, if necessary for that type of illness or disease, is to combine the MRI and MRS. This allows for a full body scan for anything wrong, the MRI for anything visible or with the body, and the MRS for anything that involves the chemical make-up of that person. Also, by using both the MRI and MRS, metabolic changes can be deduced and allow for a better treatment option to become available.

[image of what an MRI looks like...it is very similar to what an MRS might look; courtesy of Flickr.com] http://www.flickr.com/photos/49196923@N00/49138545/

=Uses= Neurological Sciences has two MR scanners which are used for neuroradiology. These two scanners help to [|diagnose] and monitor the patient for neurological diseases such as epilepsy, neoplasms, haed trauma and cerebrovascular as well as neurosurgical planning. Used in conjunction the two machines can also help diagnose or treat strokes, neuropediatrics, Alzheimer's dementia, HIV encephalopathy in early manifestations, unflarified depressions of consciousness accompanying liver cirrhosis, attention defecit disorder in children, an addiction to drugs and alcohol, and multiple sclerosis. Other forms of MRS can help to diagnose or treat anomilies in the brain, some forms of cancer, cardiovascular disease, muscle disorders and organ disorders which include the liver, kidney, pancreas, and especially diabetes. MRS gives informations to a clinical service and as a research tool at the Institute of Neurological Sciences. Nowadays, the clinical research has focussed on the metabolic derangements, which related with acute and chronic head injury, brain tumours and their response to therapy, and in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. For the most part, magnetic resonance spectroscopy is used for diagnostic purposes and trying to catch a disease before it becomes dangerous to the person's health. It is also used for dileaniting the diseased tissue from the healthy, an area which magnetic resonance imaging cannot compare. Brain tumors and mostly any other type of brain related illnesses can be diagnosed by using MRS. This is an extrodinary alternative to invasive surgery. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy allows doctors to accumulate knowledge of what is wrong without having to perform invasive, dangerous, and ill-advised surgery. The tissues in the brain are so sensitive that any type of surgery could permanently damage them, whereas the MRS machine does not hurt those tissues at all.

[this is an image taken by an MRI machine of the brain] http://www.flickr.com/photos/gemjewellery/862558634/

[this is an image of the spine taken by an MRI machine] http://www.flickr.com/photos/barbiesphotos/317352903/

[this is an image of the knee taken by an MRI machine] http://www.flickr.com/photos/ebeth/36481379/

=Cites Used= 1. http://arapaho.nsuok.edu/~bradfiel/advlab/esr/node1.html 2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_resonance_imaging 3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9687944&dopt=AbstractPlus 4. http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/als/als-evaluation/spectroscopy.html 5. http://pslc.ws/mactest/nmr.htm 6. http://pubs.acs.org/hotartcl/tcaw/99/oct/magnetic.html