Functional magnetic resonance in the conditions of a clinical department

Functional magnetic resonance is a novel technique enabling non-invasive monitoring of the brain function and metabolism at a time resolution and spatial resolution unmatched by any other imaging technique. The principle of the method is outlined, and it is demonstrated that such demanding examinations can be performed using state-of-the-art MR instrumentation combined with conventional equipment and GE sequences available at normal clinical departments. The functional MR examination, which does not take a much longer time than routine examination, can be improved by fixing the patient's head. As a prerequisite for correlation, the MR instrument has to be interfaced to a computer, and suitable tools for mutual data correlation have to be created. (P.A.)