Letter to The Editor: A new start with fMRI
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Letter to The Editor: A new start with fMRI
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Jalaluddin Win Mar @ Salmah, Abdul Karim Ahmad Helmy, Che Abdullah Munirah, Abdullah Mohd Shafie, Hamat Siti Afidah, Abdul Halim Wan Nazyrah, Ahmad Alwani Liyana, Mohd Noor Nor Safira Elaina, Abd Hamid Aini Ismafairus, Chueh Hoshiang
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Letter to The Editor: A new start with fMRI
Year: 2012
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Neurotechnology in Malaysia is advancing, particularly in the field of neuroimaging, with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) being a notable development. The article "Coping with Brain Disorders using Neurotechnology" highlights the growing utility of fMRI at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia for patient care and research, especially regarding nervous system diseases. Although fMRI is not a new tool globally, its application in clinical settings within Malaysia is still in its early stages.
Pre-operative Assessment of Brain Function
One of the primary clinical applications of fMRI is the pre-operative assessment of eloquent brain areas adjacent to tumors. This assessment is crucial as it helps surgeons obtain optimal operative outcomes when dealing with highly functional regions of the brain. The Philips Achieva 3 Tesla MRI, recently acquired by the Department of Radiology, is equipped for multiple functional assessments using advanced fMRI paradigms. This facility allows for customized assessments tailored to each patient's clinical evaluation and capabilities, enhancing the effectiveness of surgical planning and execution.
Conclusion
With the implementation of fMRI technology and the establishment of paradigms for functional assessment, the aim is to elevate the institution as a center of excellence in neuroimaging. Initial clinical assessments guide the procedure, ensuring that patients can endure the examinations and understand the process. The recent successful applications of fMRI in assessing a meningioma patient underscore the promising future of neurotechnology in improving patient outcomes and advancing neurosurgical practices in Malaysia.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is neurotechnology and its relevance in Malaysia?
Neurotechnology involves using magnetic and electrical imaging to study the brain. In Malaysia, it is in growth, particularly with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which is increasingly utilized for patient care and research in nervous system diseases.
What are the key applications of fMRI in neurosurgery?
fMRI's major applications in neurosurgery include pre-operative and post-operative assessments of brain diseases. Pre-operative assessments are crucial for optimizing surgical outcomes, particularly when the eloquent areas of the brain are involved.
What considerations are necessary for conducting fMRI examinations?
Proper training for radiographers and radiologists is essential, as well as understanding MRI techniques and result interpretation. Patients also need to tolerate the long examination times and comprehend the examination process to complete fMRI tasks effectively.
How does the new Philips Achieva 3 Tesla MRI enhance assessments?
The newly installed Philips Achieva 3 Tesla MRI allows for up to 10 functional assessments with incorporated fMRI software. This advanced equipment aims to position the department as a center of excellence in neuroimaging.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Letter to The Editor: A new start with fMRI”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Study (Studying):
The keyword 'Study' refers to the systematic investigation of subjects, in this case focusing on the applications of neurotechnology in understanding and treating brain disorders. Studies involving functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) enable researchers to gather data on brain activities and patient responses, thereby advancing both clinical outcomes and scientific knowledge in neurosurgery.
2) Disease:
The keyword 'Disease' relates to the medical conditions being examined through neurotechnology, specifically within nervous system disorders. Understanding diseases such as brain tumors informs pre-operative assessments using fMRI, allowing practitioners to determine the best approaches for treatment and surgical interventions, ultimately aiming for improved patient care and outcomes.
3) Hand:
The keyword 'Hand' signifies one of the pivotal aspects assessed in fMRI tasks, particularly during motor tasks. The fMRI studies evaluate the cortical activation associated with hand motions, essential for mapping brain functions that govern these activities, and helps in preoperative planning for patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures.
4) Radiotherapy:
The keyword 'Radiotherapy' implies a treatment modality often used for patients with brain tumors. It typically follows surgical intervention to eliminate remaining cancerous cells. The intersection of radiotherapy with neurotechnology and fMRI facilitates monitoring treatment effects and assessing brain function post-surgery, contributing to comprehensive patient management.
5) Knowledge:
The keyword 'Knowledge' underlines the importance of interdisciplinary understanding among healthcare practitioners, including radiology, neurology, and MRI physics. Proper knowledge is critical for interpreting fMRI results accurately, guiding clinical assessments, and tailoring functional imaging paradigms to individual patient needs, thereby maximizing the efficacy of treatment strategies.
6) Training:
The keyword 'Training' emphasizes the necessity for specialized training programs for radiographers and radiologists in operating fMRI technology. Given the complexities involved in fMRI procedures and interpretation, comprehensive training ensures clinical staff are equipped to provide high-quality assessments necessary for effective patient care in neurosurgery.
7) Language:
The keyword 'Language' in this context pertains to the cognitive functions evaluated using fMRI, crucial for neurosurgery assessments. Testing language processing abilities helps in the localization of eloquent brain regions, providing surgical teams with critical information to avoid damage during operations near such sensitive areas, ultimately aiding patient recovery.
8) Science (Scientific):
The keyword 'Science' refers to the systematic and structured pursuit of knowledge within the medical field, particularly neurotechnology's role in understanding and treating brain disorders. The integration of science in fMRI research underpins technological advancements and evidence-based practices that drive improvements in neurosurgical techniques and patient outcomes.
9) Field:
The keyword 'Field' denotes the domain of neurotechnology and its applications in medicine, particularly neurosurgery. As a growing area of study, this field encompasses various techniques and methodologies, including advanced imaging technologies like fMRI, which are essential for understanding brain functions and enhancing treatment approaches for neurological diseases.
10) Blood:
The keyword 'Blood' relates to the blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal measured during fMRI scans. This signal reflects changes in blood flow corresponding to brain activity, making it a fundamental aspect of neuroimaging that helps clinicians assess brain functions and operationalize the results for surgical planning in the context of brain disorders.
11) Shosha (Sosa):
The keyword 'Sosa' references Valdes-Sosa, the author of the article that sparked interest in neurotechnology applications in treating brain disorders. His work provides foundational insights into coping mechanisms for brain diseases using advanced imaging techniques, thereby influencing practitioners and researchers in the Malaysian context to explore these methodologies further.
12) Post:
The keyword 'Post' indicates the crucial phase of post-operative assessments in neurosurgery. Post refers to evaluations following surgical interventions where fMRI can assess recovery, functional brain activity, and identify any residual complications, helping to inform ongoing patient care and therapeutic strategies following neurological surgeries.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Letter to The Editor: A new start with fMRI’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Early stage, Patient care, Patient assessment, Clinical assessment, Functional assessment, Clinical research, Clinical application, Magnetic resonance imaging, Functional magnetic resonance imaging, Post-operative assessment, Motor function, Visual function, Research field, Pre operative assessment, Nervous system disease, Neuroimaging, Brain Disorder, Brain tumour, Patients clinical assessment, Centre of excellence, Radiology department.
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.
Examination period, Radiologist, Magnetic resonance.