KMCH introduces Advanced Functional MR brain imaging study

Certain areas in the brain are vital for normal human function. At the same time, there are other areas that can be surgically removed safely.

 This has special significance when a tumour is removed or surgical treatment for epilepsy is offered. Standard imaging like MRI and CT cannot accurately pickup these areas and thus a surgery can leave a patient paralyzed if an important area is injured. 

To overcome this problem, advanced computers can be incorporated into a regular MRI system where these vital areas can be clearly demarcated when we stimulate that part of the body during an MRI scan. 

This advanced form of imaging is called functional MRI (fMRI) since it is able to pick out an area clearly which is responsible for the function of a body part like the hand, leg, or speech area. 

Physicians and Surgeons use fMRI to assess how risky brain surgery or similar invasive treatment is for a patient .They map the brain with fMRI to identify regions linked to critical functions such as movement and language. 

Like any other MRI scan, fMRI is a safe and a simple procedure which does not use any radiation. Images are seen on a dedicated monitor within the scanner and further, various tasks given to the patient during the fMRI such as moving hand or leg, looking at a picture, listening to sounds and answering simple questions. 

KMCH Chairman Dr. Nalla G Palaniswami, Executive Director Dr. Arun N Palaniswami the division of Neuroradiology at Kovai Medical Center and Hospital (KMCH) head Dr Shriram Varadharajan, Dr. Mathew Cherian, Chief of Radiology services, expressed happy that KMCH has set yet another milestone in Clinical Neurosciences and said that it was a proud moment that KMCH has taken leadership of functional MRI in this region for the first time.