Clinical Applications of Functional MRI

There are several ways in which magnetic resonance (MR) can contribute to the investigation of brain function. Perhaps the most direct (and remarkable) way takes advantage of the fact that magnetic resonance can now be used to map activated regions of the brain. This type of magnetic resonance study, commonly referred to as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), provides the opportunity for learning a great deal about the functional anatomy of the normal brain. There are also a number of potential clinical applications of the technique.