Magnetic resonance techniques are non-invasive methods based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) principles. They are widely used in medical diagnostics, neuroscience, and research.

Purpose: Non-invasive imaging of soft tissues. Principle: Uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses to align and perturb hydrogen nuclei.

see Magnetic resonance imaging

• T1-weighted (T1W) – Good for anatomy.
• T2-weighted (T2W) – Highlights pathology (e.g. edema).
• FLAIR – Suppresses CSF signal to detect periventricular lesions.
• DWI/ADC – Detects diffusion restriction (e.g. acute stroke).
• SWI – Sensitive to hemorrhage and calcification.
• fMRI – Functional mapping based on BOLD signal.
• MRA (MR Angiography) – Vascular imaging without catheterization.

Purpose: Quantifies brain metabolites (e.g., NAA, choline, creatine). Use: Brain tumors, metabolic disorders, epilepsy.

• DWI (Diffusion-Weighted Imaging): Highlights areas with restricted water diffusion (e.g. stroke).
• DTI (Diffusion Tensor Imaging): Maps white matter tracts using diffusion anisotropy.

Purpose: Evaluates tissue perfusion and vascular integrity. Methods:

• DSC (Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast)
• DCE (Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced)
• ASL (Arterial Spin Labeling) – Contrast-free perfusion method.

Innovative method for simultaneous mapping of multiple tissue properties (T1, T2, etc.). Advantages: Faster scan, reproducible quantitative data.

Purpose: Highlights paramagnetic substances such as deoxyhemoglobin and iron. Use: Microbleeds, cavernomas, venous anatomy.

Purpose: Detects brain activation based on blood oxygenation (BOLD signal). Applications: Language and motor mapping, especially in presurgical planning.

Tags: mri radiology neurology imaging techniques