Functional MRI of the Brain > Fact Sheets > Yale Medicine

Overview

Before performing brain surgery to remove a tumor or abnormal brain tissue, doctors need to have the best possible picture of what is going on inside a patient’s head. 

That’s the role of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)—a procedure that’s often performed at Yale Medicine before invasive operations.

Using this technology, neuroradiologists share a patient’s image results with neurosurgeons, who can then determine which areas to target and which ones to avoid. It’s a noninvasive, pain-free test that can make surgery safer and more successful.

“There are space and time components to the imaging that help us find the parts of the brain that control motor function or language,” says William B. Zucconi, MD, a Yale Medicine neuroradiologist. “It’s almost like acquiring a little movie of the brain thinking.” 

What is functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)?

When neuroradiologists perform an fMRI, they rely on the same scanner and interface used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To obtain both types of imaging, a patient lies still in a long, tubular magnet, which uses the body’s magnetic properties to create highly detailed images. While an MRI scan allows doctors to examine a patient’s organs, tissue, or bones, “an fMRI looks at the function of the brain,” Dr. Zucconi explains.

When and why is fMRI performed?

Most fMRIs are usually performed soon after a diagnosis. The resulting images can help doctors and patients decide whether surgery is a good option. 

Typically, the scans are done 24 to 48 hours before a scheduled surgery. That way, surgeons have the most complete and accurate images just before the operation. fMRIs help neurosurgeons prepare for brain surgery, allowing them to successfully navigate to the correct region while they are in operating room.

How is an fMRI performed?

The procedure for a functional MRI is very similar to that of a regular MRI. The patient lies face-up on a flat surface and is rolled into a long tubular machine. The process is painless, although some people may feel claustrophobic or be bothered by the loud noises the machine makes during the scans.

Inside the scanner, patients are given instructions that are displayed digitally inside a pair of goggles—similar to a virtual reality (VR) headset. The tasks are simple, such as squeezing the left hand or thinking of certain words. The functional regions of the brain that light up in the scanner are then combined with regular MRI imaging of the patient’s brain anatomy. 

“Once we map out those basic functions, we help surgeons figure out a safe approach for removing a lesion or tumor from the brain—or for surgery for epilepsy patients,” Dr. Zucconi says. 

The main difference between the two procedures is that during an fMRI, doctors give the patient instructions and ask him or her to complete silent brain exercises while lying still.

The exercises increase activity in specific parts of the brain, increasing blood flow and oxygen to them. This activity lights up on the images created by the scanner, giving doctors a visible record of an exact map of the patient’s brain.

A normal MRI of the brain can last between 20 to 30 minutes, while the fMRI lasts between 40 to 55 minutes.  

What happens after an fMRI?

If a surgery is not scheduled immediately, patients may review the images with their doctors and decide how to proceed. If a tumor partially overlaps with the motor-skills or language center, for example, the patient may choose to only have part of it removed, or to treat the tumor with radiation instead of surgery.

What are the risks and benefits of fMRI?

An fMRI is safe, painless, and noninvasive. There are no known health risks associated with the procedure, as long as the patient has no metal or electronic implants (because the MRI machine has a very powerful magnet).

The benefits, on the other hand, are significant. Before the invention of fMRI, the only way to locate a person’s language or motor-skills center was to stimulate parts of the brain during an operation or perform invasive angiographic examinations—both of which required the patient to be awake to respond to questions. Knowing this information ahead of time makes surgery safer and faster, and the patient can stay under sedation during surgery.

What is unique about Yale’s approach to the fMRI procedure?

Neuroradiologists at Yale Medicine work closely with surgeons, oncologists, and neurologists with specialized knowledge about treating brain tumors and disorders of all types. 

“Our ongoing research studies rely on fMRI to better understand various diseases, including psychiatric conditions like depression, as well as Tourette syndrome and epilepsy,” Dr. Zucconi says.

Another area of active research relies on resting state fMRIs. These work as the name suggests, by imaging the brain while it is at rest. “This type of imaging gives insight into the brain’s networks and interconnected regions,” Dr. Zucconi says. 

What Is fMRI? Uses, How It Works, Duration, and What to Expect

When you’re taking a test or enjoying a cup of coffee, certain parts of your brain are extra busy. An fMRI allows us to capture some of this activity.

Functional resonance imaging (fMRI) has revolutionized the study of the mind. This advanced neuroimaging technology allows researchers and physicians to safely, painlessly, and noninvasively observe the brain’s activity.

An fMRI scan can be used for a variety of purposes, from monitoring Parkinson’s disease to seeing how a certain medication works in the brain.

If you’re scheduled for an fMRI, understanding what it is and how it works can help you feel more comfortable.

Invented in the early 1990s, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a type of noninvasive brain imaging technology that detects brain activity by measuring changes in blood flow.

An fMRI can reveal what part of the brain is active during specific functions, such as lifting your arm or even just thinking about something. Researchers and physicians can use this information to better understand, diagnose, monitor, and treat various conditions.

An fMRI is based on the same technology as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — a scanning tool that uses powerful magnetism and radio waves to produce images of the body. However, there are important differences between the two.

An MRI takes images of your brain’s structure — it can see cysts, tumors, bruising, bleeding, and structural abnormalities.

When you get an MRI scan, the scan is looking to make sure everything is the right size or is in the right place. For instance, are there any signs of damage, such as bruising? If so, there might be a concussion.

In contrast, an fMRI takes images of your brain’s activity while it’s performing a particular function. It can even “see” your thoughts and feelings. An fMRI is essentially creating a functional map on top of the brain images.

During an fMRI scan, you might be asked to perform a task, like lift your arm or think of the word “summer.” These tasks activate your brain so the fMRI can measure your brain’s activity.

Other times, you might be asked to just relax in the scanner — this is known as a resting state (rs) fMRI. An rs- fMRI helps define both typical and atypical brain connectivity in a variety of conditions.

An fMRI uses a powerful magnetic field — tens of thousands of times stronger than the Earth’s magnetic field — to detect activity in different parts of the brain.

What does it mean when a brain area is “more active?” And how does the fMRI detect this activity?

A brain area is considered more active when its neurons start sending out more electrical signals than they did before. For instance, if a certain brain area is more “active” when you raise your leg, then that part of the brain is considered responsible for that movement.

An fMRI indirectly measures this electrical activity by detecting changes in oxygen levels in the blood. This is called the blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) response.

Here’s how this works:

When neurons become more active, they require more oxygen from red blood cells. To achieve this, they widen the surrounding blood vessels to allow for more blood flow. Thus, when the neurons are more active, the oxygen concentration goes up, too.

Oxygenated blood produces fewer field disturbances than deoxygenated blood which allows the neurons’ signal (which is actually hydrogen in water) to last longer. So when the signal stays longer, the fMRI knows that there’s more oxygen in that area, and therefore more activity.

This activity is color-coded in the resulting fMRI images.

fMRIs are used widely in both clinical and research settings. This technology allows us to better understand how the brain works in both healthy and diseased conditions.

In clinical practice, most fMRIs are performed soon after a diagnosis. The resulting brain images can help your healthcare team decide on a treatment plan and whether surgery might be a good option.

An fMRI scan is also commonly given right before brain surgery to help the neurosurgeon prepare.

An fMRI can be used to:

• diagnose conditions
• plan for a surgery or other treatments
• detect abnormalities
• see which brain regions are responsible for important functions
• evaluate the cognitive effects of diseases and injuries, such as epilepsy, concussion, or cancer
• determine drug efficacy
• help with drug development
• understand brain disorders
• examine how memories are formed
• observe how the brain handles critical functions like thinking, emotional responses, learning, movement, sensation, or speech (called brain mapping)
• look for disease biomarkers
• monitor therapy

An fMRI might also be used to detect the following:

• epilepsy
• concussion
• post-concussion syndrome
• mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia
• neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease
• tumors
• pain

fMRI is often used to study healthy brains as well. In a small-scale 2015 study on eight participants, researchers used fMRI to examine brain function during risky decision-making. The participants had to decide between taking a risky or safe gamble based on their chances of winning (high or low).

In the first experiment, the participants were told their chances of winning at the same time they were given the chance to gamble. In a second experiment, the chance was presented before the gambling opportunity.

The findings show that when the participants knew the odds prior to the gambling opportunity (and kept this information in mind), they had more control of their risk-taking behaviors. This was shown by brain activation in regions associated with control and conflict. The participants showed faster reaction times and better performance.

An fMRI unit involves a flat table that slides into a large cylinder-shaped tube surrounded by a circular magnet. “Open” fMRI machines are open on the sides.

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A typical fMRI lasts between 45 and 55 minutes.

Before your fMRI, you’ll get instructions on how to prepare and what to expect.

Before the scan

There are no major preparations before an fMRI scan, as there are no injections or invasive procedures.

However, you’ll need to remove your phone, jewelry, glasses, coins, or anything metal (these belongings will likely be put into a safe locker). Medication patches may also need to be removed as the metal in the patch could heat up during the fMRI scan. Keep another one on hand to apply after the procedure.

Any medical implants or devices (such as a stent) may have to be removed prior to the fMRI scan as well.

If you are pregnant or have any health problems, allergies, problems with lying on your back, or claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces), talk with your doctor to help you come up with a plan.

During the scan

During the fMRI scan, you will lie face-up on a flat scanning table that’s rolled into a long, tubular magnet. You may be given instructions, such as squeezing your right hand or thinking of certain words. These activities are color-coded on the brain images, allowing the doctor to see a map of your brain activity.

The process is painless, but some people may feel bothered by the small space or loud noises the machine makes. A typical fMRI lasts between 40 and 55 minutes.

After the scan

Once your fMRI scan is complete, the technologist will slide the scanning table out of the machine and help you up. You can collect your belongings and leave the scanning area. Your doctor will receive a report of your fMRI results which will be used to plan your care.

Before the fMRI was invented, the only way to identify the brain’s motor or language skills center was to stimulate the brain during an invasive procedure, such as surgery. With fMRI, we now have a safe, painless, and noninvasive way to see brain activity.

If you’d like more information, there are plenty of online sites and videos explaining fMRI. This video gives a detailed description of how fMRI works.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Modern Capabilities and Applications

Contents

• 1 Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • 1. 1 How MRI Works and Key Benefits
  • 1.2 Technological Innovations in MRI

  900 05 1.3 Diagnostic value of MRI for various organs and systems

  • 1.4 MRI in oncology: precise localization and staging of tumors
  • 1.5 The role of MRI in cardiology: assessment of the structure and function of the heart
  • 1.6 MRI in neurology: detection of pathologies of the brain and spinal cord
  • 1.7 MRI in angiography: examination of blood vessels and blood flow
  • 1.8 MRI in orthopedics: detection of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system
  • 1.9 MRI in gynecology: diagnosis of diseases of the female organs 9 0008
  • 1.10 Q&A:
    • • 1.10.0.1 How does magnetic resonance imaging work?
      • 1.10.0.2 What are the advantages of magnetic resonance imaging over other examination methods?
  • 1.11 MRI in children: a safe and effective examination
  • harmless research method, which is widely used in medicine to obtain detailed and accurate images of human internal organs and tissues. In this article, you will learn about how MRI works, the main purposes and indications for the study, as well as how to prepare for the procedure and what to expect after it.

    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a high-tech examination method that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the internal organs and tissues of a person. Thanks to the unique capabilities of this technique, doctors can obtain information about the health status of patients with high accuracy without the use of radiation.

    The main feature of MRI is the ability to create three-dimensional images that allow doctors to see not only the structure of organs, but also their functioning. Due to this, the method has found wide application in various fields of medicine, including the diagnosis of diseases of the brain, spine, joints, organs of the chest cavity and many others.

    The fine detail and resolution of MRI images enable clinicians to detect diseases early and select the most effective treatments. Moreover, the method has the ability to monitor the dynamics of the disease, which allows you to clarify the diagnosis and monitor the effectiveness of the treatment.

    How MRI works and its main advantages

    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a method of imaging human organs and tissues using a magnetic field and radio waves. The basic principle of MRI is that hydrogen atoms in the body, located in a strong magnetic field, begin to vibrate and emit characteristic radio wave signals. These signals are recorded and analyzed by a computer, which creates detailed images of organs and tissues.

    The main advantage of MRI is its non-invasiveness – the method does not require the introduction of special instruments into the patient’s body. In addition, MRI provides images with high detail, which allows doctors to more accurately determine the condition of human organs and tissues. Also, MRI is able to detect pathologies that cannot be detected using other research methods.

    Another advantage of MRI is the ability to acquire images in different planes and at different time points. This allows doctors to observe the dynamics of changes in the patient’s body and analyze the effectiveness of treatment. In addition, MRI does not use ionizing radiation, which allows you to repeat the study safely for the patient and not damage his body.

    In general, MRI is one of the most informative and safe research methods, which is widely used in medicine. However, before an MRI, the patient should consult a doctor and be prepared for a lengthy procedure, as the examination may take some time.

    Technological innovations in the field of MRI

    Advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology have led to new possibilities in the diagnosis and examination of patients. One of these innovations is the use of ultra-sensitive implants that provide more accurate and detailed images of internal organs.

    Another technological innovation is the possibility of performing functional MRI, which allows you to study the activity of various areas of the brain in real time. This is especially important when studying how the brain works during various tasks or when determining the causes of certain neurological disorders.

    One of the latest innovations in the field of MRI is the use of signal enhancement using hyperpolarized substances. This method can significantly increase the brightness of the signal and therefore improve the quality of images and the detection of tumors and other pathological changes.

    In addition, the possibility of using artificial intelligence to automatically interpret MRI results is being actively explored. This reduces the time spent on analysis and diagnostics, as well as reducing errors associated with human intervention.

    Technological innovations in the field of MRI continue to develop and promise to achieve even greater accuracy, speed and reliability in diagnostic studies. This opens up new possibilities for the treatment of patients and expands the scope of MRI in medicine.

    Diagnostic value of MRI for various organs and systems

    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a high-tech diagnostic method that has high resolution and allows you to get a detailed picture of the state of various organs and systems of the body.

    MRI is of great diagnostic value for the examination of the brain. It allows you to detect diseases such as tumors, hemorrhages, heart attacks and inflammatory processes. Thanks to MRI, morphological changes in the brain associated with degenerative diseases and circulatory disorders can also be assessed.

    The diagnostic value of MRI for assessing the condition of the spine and spinal cord is high. Determining the location and nature of mechanical damage, the presence of tumors and inflammatory processes, as well as degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs and joints is possible thanks to this method. MRI also allows assessment of soft tissues such as muscles and ligaments around the spine.

    Magnetic resonance imaging is an effective diagnostic method for assessing the condition of the heart and blood vessels. It allows you to identify tumors and structural changes in the heart muscle, as well as assess the condition of the blood vessels. This method can also be used to evaluate blood flow and investigate the presence of atherosclerosis or thrombosis.

    MRI in oncology: accurate localization and staging of tumors

    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an effective method for diagnosing and staging tumors in oncology. Due to its high resolution, MRI can accurately localize and determine the size of the tumor, as well as detect the presence of metastases around it.

    During MRI examinations, great attention is paid to the use of contrast agents, which help to improve the visualization of the tumor and its surrounding tissues. Thanks to this, doctors can more accurately determine the stage of the cancer process and choose the optimal treatment strategy for the patient.

    An important advantage of MRI in oncology is the ability to obtain three-dimensional and multiplanar images, which allows doctors to study the structure of the tumor and surrounding tissues in more detail. In addition, MRI can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and assess the dynamics of tumor changes during therapy.

    MRI is one of the main methods of examination of patients with suspected cancer. The accuracy and information content of this method make it possible to detect a tumor at an early stage of development, which contributes to the timely appointment of effective therapy and improves the prognosis for the patient.

    The role of MRI in cardiology: assessing the structure and function of the heart

    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an unrivaled method of imaging the heart and blood vessels, providing a high-quality and multidimensional image of cardiac structure and its function.

    One of the main advantages of MRI in cardiology is the ability to detect abnormal anatomical structures and determine the presence and extent of various heart diseases such as congenital heart disease, tumors, valvular disease and coronary heart disease.

    MRI also evaluates cardiac function, including cardiac contractility, fibrous replacement, and cardiac chamber volumes. This information can be useful for evaluating the effectiveness of treatment, monitoring the patient’s condition, and making decisions about surgery.

    Unlike other cardiac imaging modalities, MRI does not require the use of ionizing radiation, making it safe for patients, especially those who need repeat exams. In addition, MRI provides a detailed image of the connective tissue of the heart, which can be useful for diagnosing cardiomyopathies and inflammatory processes.

    MRI in neurology: detection of pathologies of the brain and spinal cord

    MRT is one of the most effective methods for diagnosing pathologies of the brain and spinal cord. Conducted without the use of radiation, it allows you to get detailed images of internal structures, which allows you to identify various changes and deviations from the norm.

    One of the main advantages of MRI is its high resolution, which allows doctors to see even the smallest anomalies and pathologies of the brain and spinal cord. In addition, MRI allows you to assess the condition of blood vessels and determine the presence of formations, both malignant and benign.

    MRI can detect pathologies such as brain tumors, hemorrhages, strokes, degenerative diseases (eg Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease), inflammation, vascular disorders and spinal cord injuries.

    In addition, MRI allows you to study brain activity using special functional methods. Such studies help to identify violations of the working activity of certain parts of the brain and to detect various disorders in neurological diseases.

    Thus, MRI is the main method for diagnosing pathologies of the brain and spinal cord. Due to its high accuracy and resolution, it allows you to identify various pathologies and determine their characteristics, which in turn helps in choosing the optimal treatment and predicting the outcome of the disease.

    Angiography MRI: Investigation of blood vessels and blood flow

    The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the most effective and non-invasive methods for studying blood vessels and blood flow. Due to its harmlessness and safety for the body, MRI is widely used in angiography to detect and study various pathologies of blood vessels and blood flow.

    The MRI vascular examination provides detailed and accurate images of all major and peripheral vessels in the body. Unlike other angiography modalities, MRI does not require the use of x-rays or contrast agents, making it safe for patients with allergic reactions to contrast agents or contraindications to the use of x-rays.

    The MRI angiography allows you to examine the vessels of various organs and areas of the body, including the brain, aortic neck and trunk, limbs, and others. With the help of MRI, narrowing, blockages, aneurysms and other vascular pathologies can be detected, which makes it possible to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the tactics of further treatment.

    The MRI blood flow test evaluates the speed and direction of blood flow in vessels, as well as detects irregularities and changes in blood flow. This is especially important in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases associated with circulatory disorders, such as atherosclerosis, varicose veins, thrombosis, and others.

    The use of MRI in angiography significantly improves the possibilities of diagnosing and treating vascular diseases. The safety, non-invasiveness and high information content of this method make it widely applicable and in demand in clinical practice.

    MRI in orthopedics: detection of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system

    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most effective and safe methods of research in orthopedics for the detection of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It provides a detailed image of soft tissues, bones and joints, which helps in diagnosis and treatment planning.

    Due to its ability to visualize even the smallest changes in tissues, MRI can detect various types of injuries, such as torn ligaments, muscle and subcutaneous tissue injuries, fractures, and even joint damage. It also effectively diagnoses diseases of the musculoskeletal system, such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and other bone and joint pathologies.

    Along with this, MRI has the ability to differentiate healthy tissue from diseased tissue, which is especially important in cases of degenerative changes, when tissues may have minor deviations. This helps to detect pathologies early and prevent their progression.

    Magnetic resonance imaging also allows you to assess the degree of trauma and the distribution of damage in the musculoskeletal system. This allows doctors to determine the possibility of surgical intervention, as well as determine the extent of the injury and predict its consequences.

    Thus, MRI is an essential tool in orthopedics for the detection and diagnosis of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It provides detailed information about pathological changes and helps doctors make informed decisions on the treatment and rehabilitation of patients.

    MRI in gynecology: diagnosis of diseases of the female organs

    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an effective method for diagnosing diseases of the female organs in gynecology. It allows you to get detailed and accurate images of the uterus, ovaries, appendages and other organs of the small pelvis.

    The main advantages of MRI in gynecology are high resolution, the ability to study tissues and organs in different planes, and the absence of the use of ionizing radiation. This makes MRI a safe method for women of all ages, including pregnant women.

    MRI can detect and evaluate various diseases of the female organs, such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, cervical and endometrial cancer. It also helps to determine the stage of the disease, assess its size and impact on neighboring organs.

    In gynecological MRI, a contrast agent can be used, which improves the quality and information content of the obtained images. It helps to identify tumors, determine their nature and structure.

    MRI in gynecology plays an important role in treatment planning and patient follow-up. It allows you to accurately determine the tactics of patient management, choose the most effective methods of treatment and monitor the dynamics of the disease after therapy.

    Q&A:

    How does magnetic resonance imaging work?

    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of human organs and tissues. The patient is placed in a special tube into which radio waves are fed, interacting with a magnetic field, creating a picture of organs and tissues inside the body.

    What are the advantages of magnetic resonance imaging over other research methods?

    MRI has several advantages over other examination methods. First, it does not use ionizing radiation, which makes it safe for the patient. In addition, MRI provides very detailed images of organs and tissues, including soft tissues and the nervous system. Also, MRI can be used to study the functional activity of the brain, which is an integral part of neuroimaging and diagnostics.

    MRI in children: a safe and effective study

    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a safe and effective imaging modality that is widely used in children. Compared to other diagnostic methods, MRI does not use ionizing radiation, which makes it safe for the child’s body.

    Performing MRI in children requires special training, as small patients may experience discomfort during the examination. To facilitate the examination process, doctors may use medications that promote sedation or anesthesia in children so that they do not feel discomfort.

    One of the main advantages of MRI in the diagnosis of children is the ability to obtain detailed and accurate images of organs, tissues and bones. Due to this, doctors can accurately determine the presence and location of pathologies, which allows early diagnosis and more successful treatment of various diseases.

    Certain precautions must be observed when performing MRI examinations on children. Doctors use special pediatric catheters and catheter valves to prevent possible risks and ensure comfort and safety during the examination.

    In addition, the presence of experienced medical staff is mandatory when performing MRI scans on children. Parents may be present in the room during the study to support and reassure the child. Also, medical staff may use music, movies, or toys to improve comfort and relieve tension in the child.

    Related videos:

    Mental device: in Russia they learned to detect depression by MRI | Articles

    Russian scientists have developed a method for diagnosing clinical depression based on magnetic resonance imaging. The effectiveness of the new approach was confirmed by trials involving 84 patients . It allows you to identify severe emotional disorders with an accuracy of 93%. The method is based on the analysis of connections in the brain, which, as studies have shown, differ in sick and healthy people. According to practicing psychotherapists, MRI diagnostics of depression can be useful for specialists, but should only be used as an additional tool.

    How do you like it, Dr. Freud?

    Specialists of the Baltic Center for Neurotechnologies and Artificial Intelligence of the IKBFU I. Kant together with colleagues from Plovdiv University and Ural Federal University developed an objective method for diagnosing major depressive disorder (MDD) using magnetic resonance imaging. It allows you to detect the disease with an accuracy of 93%. The analysis of the image of the brain obtained using the MRI machine is carried out by artificial intelligence . Experts trained him to identify differences in neural connections between healthy and sick people. The effectiveness of the approach has been successfully confirmed in the course of work with real patients. The experiments involved 49 healthy people and 35 patients with a clinical form of depression .

    – We can classify both short-range connections between neighboring areas, and distant ones, which already determine the nature of the entire structure of connections in the brain of healthy and sick people . The proposed classifier achieves an accuracy of 93%,” Alexander Khramov, chief researcher at the Baltic Center for Neurotechnologies and Artificial Intelligence, told Izvestia.

    Photo: Getty Images/Johner Images

    Izvestia reference

    Major depressive disorder is a severe emotional condition that is accompanied by low mood, loss of interest in life and the ability to enjoy life, cognitive decline, as well as insomnia, appetite disorders and other symptoms . According to WHO, there are now 280 million patients with this diagnosis. They often require medical treatment. Now the disease is detected based on the opinion of specialists: neurologists, psychiatrists and psychotherapists. However, all over the world there is a search for objective markers of MDD for its more reliable diagnosis.

    Study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to study how the brain works in healthy and sick people. Functional MRI records the blood flow in the organ, which can be used to judge the activity of certain of its zones. The analysis showed that in people with MDD there is a weakening of connections between individual areas of the brain . At the final stage of study , IKBFU specialists trained a neural network to find this feature in specific images of patients and determine whether a person is healthy or sick . Diagnostic examination on MRI takes no more than 15 minutes . It can be performed on most standard tomographs that are used in clinics and hospitals.

    The developers plan to continue their research to find changes in the brain that occur in patients with bipolar disorder (BAD). This disorder resembles MDD in symptoms, which often leads to misdiagnosis. This is a serious medical problem because depression and bipolar disorder are treated differently . If scientists succeed, then the neural network will be able to distinguish one from the other. Another challenge faced by specialists is to determine exactly how the program diagnoses depression . The peculiarity of AI is that its logic is not fully known to users. This will allow you to control the quality of the neural network.

    Secondary instrument

    MRI diagnosis of depression can be only one of the ways to determine the disease, but not the main one , says psychologist, psychotherapist, candidate of psychological sciences Sofya Sulim. Any professional psychotherapist in his work should be guided by an understanding of pathopsychological causes . If a person has evidence, then he should be referred to a psychiatrist. An MRI examination should only be considered as an additional tool in making a decision .

    Photo: Getty Images/IAN HOOTON/SPL

    — The diagnosis of emotional disorders in psychotherapy is associated with the analysis of certain cognitive functions: memory, attention, imagination, thinking. The specialist must see them. For example, a person’s lack or decrease in criticality, misunderstanding of the meaning of sayings is manifested. A with the help of an MRI study, it is impossible to find out what a psychotherapist can learn from practice, so these are useful, but only secondary tools , – noted Sofya Sulim.

    The proposed approach looks promising for confirming and objectifying the diagnosis in MDD , says Dmitry Petelin, a psychiatrist at the Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine of Sechenov University. According to him, a qualified specialist accurately identifies depression by clinical symptoms. But such techniques are useful to be sure of the diagnosis . However, the problem is the high cost of such an examination .

    — At the same time, there are difficult cases when an objective assessment is necessary.