title: The use and promise of nuclear magnetic resonance imaging in epilepsy.
abstract: The revolutionary influence of X-ray computerized tomography (CT) on neurodiagnosis will be considerably extended by a newer imaging probe using magnetic fields. This form of imaging uses nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) as the probe-tissue interaction to make many regional measurements of tissue in a short time, thus allowing an image to be computer-reconstructed. The nuclei of about 100 nuclides have significant magnetic properties, behaving like small permanent bar magnets. The most interesting of these in brain tissue are ordinary hydrogen, sodium, and phosphorus. Placed in a strong magnetic field, they partially align themselves with the field. They can then absorb energy which will subsequently be reradiated. Since the resonant frequency of each nucleus is proportional to the magnetic field in which it finds itself, producing fields which change predictably in strength with position, it becomes possible to localize the activated nuclei. Images of hydrogen density and relaxation times can be made and offer considerable tissue characterization. Bone is nearly invisible and considerable gray-white matter contrast is seen. Factors altering water-binding in tissues affect the image. Malignant tissue usually is seen in contrast to adjacent healthy tissue. Movement of blood is visible. By measuring energy-rich phosphorus, energy stores can be determined. There is no tissue ionization, no injected contrast materials are needed, and there are no radioactive materials involved. NMR scanners probably will replace CT within the next decade for most brain scanning purposes and will offer considerably greater tissue characterization which surely will influence studies of human epilepsy.
mesh_terms: D001834:Body Water; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / Q000379:methods; D008280:Magnetics; D014054:Tomography / Q000379:methods