Is it possible to know as early as infancy when a child is on the autism spectrum? This is a topic debated for years in the medical community. In 2011, researchers at Stanford University discovered a distinct difference in the brain chemistry of children with autism. Specifically, they found that the gray matter had a unique organization. It is bel...

Whether you are getting ready for the spring training season or just looking to boost your fitness level, sports injuries are a concern. Imaging is a critical diagnostic tool because the pictures tell a story about your body and what isn't working right. Your doctor will likely order imaging tests in order to make a diagnosis and create a working c...

Using a new kind of MRI measurement, neuroscientists recently discovered that excessive oxidation in the brain may contribute to schizophrenia. In other words, the same chemical reaction that causes metal to corrode and rust could be damaging brain cells in schizophrenic patients, too. To analyze this, Dr. Fei Du and his colleagues at McLean Hospit...

When I was diagnosed with epilepsy, it surely came as a shock. I had a basically normal life (for a geek) growing up; I got through high school OK and into college. As far as I was concerned, my brain was just there for me because it seemed to impress people and I was glad to have something impressive about me. But that sto...

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It is a noninvasive diagnostic procedure that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce a clear and detailed digital image of the human anatomy. By conducting an MRI scan, physicians can detect and identify a number of medical conditions in their early stages and therefore increase the likelihood of ...

Claustrophobia is an irrational fear of being enclosed and having no way to escape. Unfortunately, that is the very essence of the traditional MRI, which slides a patient into a tube, so strong magnetic fields and radio waves can create images of the internal structures of the body. HealthResearchFunding.org reports that while only about 13 percent...

An extremity MRI is a type of scan used specifically for diagnostic imaging of the arm, leg, hand, or foot. The machine uses radio waves and a magnetic field to generate images of the inside of the extremity in order to diagnose problems with the muscles, bones, joints, nerves, or blood vessels. What conditions can an extremity MRI diagnose or asse...

Technology is always changing, especially when it comes to the medical field. But one thing that remains constant is the spread of miscommunication and misinformation surrounding medical procedures and testing like MRI machines. In order to dispel some of the myths that continue to surround this commonly used type of radiology, we've compiled three...