FUNDAMENTALS OF IMAGING TECHNIQUES
Anil Kumar
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore

ABSTRACT
Neurological Imaging Techniques have undergone a major revolution in recent years, due to the advent of Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This technique is completely non-invasive and does not require any ionizing radiation. It gives clear anatomical images of the brain. The image maps out the density of hydrogen nuclei (in water, proteins, lipids etc.) and their state of mobility. The image is sensitive to the soft tissue and can distinguish soft and hard tissue without contrast agent, through simple manipulation of the software (pulse sequences). The method requires a large homogeneous magnet, radio frequency transmitters and receivers and is based on principles of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. Principle of Neuclear Magnatic Resonance followed by the principle of MR, the different imaging protocols, the methodology of MR spectroscopy, MR angiography and MR functional imaging the basis of these Neurological imaging techniques form.