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Can Magnetic Resonance Imaging Detect Brain Feelings?

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Posted on: June 1, 2011
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Can Magnetic Resonance Imaging Detect Brain Feelings?

Magnetic resonance imaging is a medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.MRI uses a powerful magnetic field of frequency pulses to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and all other internal body structures. The images can then be examined on a computer monitor, transmitted electronically, printed or copied to a CD. Raymond V. Damadian is the inventor of the Magnetic Resonance scanning.

MRI scanner made easy for the doctors to know the condition of the body in a lesser time. It does not use x-rays and it is performed to evaluate  organs of the chest and abdomen including the heart, liver, biliary tract, kidneys, breasts ,spleen, bowel, pancreas and adrenal glands and the  blood vessels . The hypothalamus is responsible for certain metabolic processes and other activities of the autonomic nervous system. It helps in stimulating or inhibiting the secretion of pituitary hormones. It also controls body temperature, hunger, thirst and sleep.

The Amygdala senses the basic information like fear and anger whereas the cortical nucleus is involved in the sense of smell. In the recent times Scientists have discovered that Anterior cingulate cortex is responsible for causing sixth sense in the body. It is located near the top of the frontal lobes and along the walls that divide the left and right hemispheres in the brain.

The strength of the magnet is very important, and high-field scanners having 1.5 Tesla magnets are generally regarded as the best magnet strength. It costs between 4-6 crores. Scanners having 0.25 to 0.5 Tesla magnets are a low-field scanner and it often takes longer time to do the scan. The older MRI scanners used to take 40 to 60 minutes for a complete scan whereas using the latest scanners it is done in a lesser time.

Unlike X-rays or CT scan, MRI Scan does not use radiation. Thus MRI Scans are painless and safe without any major side effects. However, some people do have reactions to the contrast dye used sometimes. Scanner makes heavy noise while scanning and some of the common problems caused during the scan are headache, Dizziness,Sweating,Nausea,and Fatigue. Moreover, Patients with some metal implants, cochlear implants, and cardiac pacemakers are prevented from having an MRI scan due to effects of the strong magnetic field and powerful radio frequency pulses. Pregnant women are usually not advised to have an MRI scan unless it is urgent. Although the scan is thought to be safe, the long-term effects of strong magnetic fields on a developing baby are not yet known.

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