5 Brain Imaging Technologies That Neurologists are Excited About
Brain imaging is a critical tool for researching and understanding brain anatomy and function, both in science and medical treatment.
From the threshold of individual molecules to the entire nervous system, brain imaging methodologies provide unparalleled sensitivity to visualizations of brain structure and function, and technical developments are persisting in expanding the range of structural, physiological, and molecular procedures that can be evaluated in vivo (in living humans, animals, organisms, and cells).
According to BIS Research, the global brain imaging modalities market was worth $12.33 billion in 2021 and is predicted to reach $20.2 billion by the end of 2031. During the projected period 2022-2031, the market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.06%.
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Uses of Brain Imaging
Brain imaging serves a variety of purposes in medical services and makes diagnosticians' tasks simpler. The following are some of the applications of brain imaging techniques:
? Determining the consequences of a stroke
? Finding cysts and tumors
? Detecting bruising and swelling
Certain mental health concerns can also be linked to biological reasons using brain imaging. When compared to persons without anxiety, individuals with higher levels of anxiety show abnormalities in brain connections. Furthermore, brain imaging can detect disorders such as psychosis in their early stages.
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5 Applications of Brain Imaging Modalities That are Exciting Neurologists and Diagnosticians
?Electroencephalography (EEG)
Electroencephalography (EEG), which was first identified over a century ago, uses electrodes on the scalp to monitor electrical activity in the brain.
EEG often gathers data from tens to hundreds of electrodes placed on the scalp in various places. About 64 to 256 electrodes are employed throughout many EEG systems used during cognitive neuroscience research nowadays.
The brain waves are measured via electroencephalography (EEG) examination. For this, clinicians place tiny electrodes on the scalp, which are connected by cables before the scan.
These electrodes monitor brain electrical activity and relay it to a computer, which generates a graph-like picture. Each frequency displays on its line and provides data to the doctor regarding brain function.
An EEG can reveal disorders including anxiety, head traumas, epilepsy, and sleep disturbance.
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Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
The method of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is among the most recent advancements in neuroimaging. Because of its minimal invasiveness, absence of radiation exposure, and general availability, fMRI has been the dominant approach in cognitive neuroscience since the early 1990s.
Variations in blood circulation and levels of oxygen caused by brain activity can be detected using fMRI. It works by affecting the magnetic nuclei of hydrogen atoms with the scanner's magnetic field, allowing them to be detected and transformed into pictures.
The anatomic structure is shown using MRIs, while the metabolic function is measured with fMRIs.
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fMRIs can be used for a variety of purposes, including:
? evaluating brain activity
? detecting abnormalities in the brain
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Computerized Tomography (CT)?
A computed tomography (CT) scan is a collection of X-Ray pictures of your brain that have been transformed into cross-sectional images.
Such X-Rays are merged to create cross-sectional slices of your brain or even a 3D model. A CT scan can provide more information than a conventional X-Ray.
CT scans can detect specific types of brain injuries, detect cancer, and pinpoint edema or bleeding in the brain.?
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Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
A positron emission tomography (PET) scan involves the use of a radiation detector that binds to glucose in the circulation. The tracer collects in areas of increased brain activity since the brain utilizes glucose as its principal fuel source.
These tracers may be seen on a PET scan, and the movement and accumulation of these tracers in the brain can be observed. This enables doctors to see areas where glucose isn't flowing properly. PET scans can detect convulsions, Alzheimer’s, and tumors.
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Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS)
The oxygen saturation of the brain is measured using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). It detects fluctuations in hemoglobin oxygen levels in the blood using infrared light.
As oxygen is essential for brain function, NIRS can help doctors in any clinical scenario wherein brain oxygen levels vary. In cardiac surgery, NIRS is utilized to evaluate brain oxygen levels.
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Conclusion
Medical experts can use brain imaging techniques to assess if the brain is physically and functionally normal.
Various types of brain scans can map out different sections of the brain, but the expert will know which one to employ based on the situation at hand.
Many imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, are uncomfortable for patients because the patient might suffer from claustrophobia and anxiety throughout the process, resulting in disappointing results or termination of the diagnostics.
Companies are now focused on design-level advancements like open MRI and the incorporation of virtual reality (VR) technologies during scanning, which will eventually improve the patient experience.
Another area of focus in terms of technological breakthroughs in brain imaging modalities that are predicted to emerge in the next years is 3D amplified MRI, also known as 3D aMRI.
Curious about which innovative technology is gaining traction in your industry? BIS Research provides the most up-to-date market research and studies. Connect with us at?[email protected] ?to learn more.