Functional MRI (fMRI)

Your brain is unique, which means that it is not possible to accurately find the precise location of specific speech or movement areas in your brain using anatomy alone. Using advanced scanning and computer technology, fMRI allows us to find and measure the precise locations of these key areas and enabling us to build a detailed map of your brain that shows the areas that are involved in vital functions. This valuable information may then be used to better understand the possible outcomes of neurosurgery and to guide surgical planning.

At the Queen Square Imaging Centre, we can use fMRI scanning to:

• Create a map of your brain’s functional network to show the specific areas involved in vital functions
• Examine the effects of a tumour or epileptic lesion on your brain.
• Help your surgeon in planning brain tumour treatment, such as neurosurgery or stereotactic radiosurgery.
• Predict and limit any potential side effects of brain tumour and epilepsy treatments.

Most often, we use fMRI alongside another advanced technique called Diffusion Tractography Imaging (DTI). This is a technique which allows us to map the important neural pathways that relay information between areas of the brain. The map we create can show the connectivity of your brain, and how it may have been disrupted by a disease process. We can also show how vital functions might be affected, if treatment in the brain might affect any of these important pathways.

As with conventional MRI scanning, fMRI is a painless and non-invasive imaging test. It involves no radiation and is generally considered low risk for most people.

Your fMRI scan will start in the same way as a conventional MRI scan. When you arrive, you will be asked to complete an MRI safety questionnaire, which a radiographer will go through with you to make sure there is no reason it might be unsafe for you to have a scan. At this point, one of our specialist medical scientists will sit with you and explain the fMRI process. They will give you instructions about the tasks we will need you to do during your scan and answer any questions you have.

You may then be asked to change into a gown and remove any jewellery or metal objects that may interfere with your scan. You will be given a private changing area to change in and keep your belonging locked away safely during your visit.
When you are ready, the radiographer will take you into the scanning room. You will be asked to lie down on your back on the scanner table and we will give you cushions, pads and a blanket to make sure you are comfortable and positioned correctly. For the fMRI tasks, you will watch a screen and listen to instructions through headphones. Before we start, the radiographer and medical scientist will make sure you can see the screen and hear the instructions comfortably.

During the scan, we will be able to see you at all times and will also speak to you often through the headphones. The scan will often start with some conventional diagnostic imaging. During this scanning, you will hear loud buzzing noises from the scanner, but these are normal and nothing to worry about. When we reach the fMRI part of the scan, you’ll be shown imaging on the screen and asked to perform tasks based on what you see. These tasks are very simple and nothing to worry about. If you struggle to see or understand any of the tasks, please do not hesitate to discuss this with one of the team.

An fMRI scan usually takes around one hour but can take longer depending on the number of tasks we need to do with you to create the map. Once the scan is complete, you will be able to get changed, gather your belongings and normally leave as soon as you are ready. During an fMRI scan, we may need to give you a small injection of MRI contrast dye to collect some detailed diagnostic imaging. If this is the case, we will provide you with some information to take home with you.

After you have left, our medical scientists and radiologist will begin the process of processing and analysing the data we have collected to create your brain maps. This can take up to 48 hours before the data is ready for reporting by our neuroradiology consultant. The report is then sent directly to your doctor in preparation for your next appointment.