How does the world’s most powerful MRI machine change disease diagnosis?

With 10 times greater precision, new equipment allows us to visualize tiny structures in the brain in unprecedented detail.

The world’s most powerful MRI scanner, called Iseult, has provided unprecedented images of the human brain, with 10 times the accuracy of conventional MRI.

Developed by French researchers, the equipment uses a magnetic field of 11.7 tesla (magnetic flux density) to reveal the smallest details of the brain. Furthermore, the scanner is expected to help better understand diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, allowing for earlier diagnoses and more effective treatments.

Although not yet available for clinical use, the promising results suggest significant progress in the field of neuroscience. OR Earth talked to the neurosurgeon Philip Mendesmember of the Brazilian Society of Neurosurgery, who explains how the use of the scanner can contribute to a better understanding of brain anatomy and cognitive functions.

Unprecedented precision

The expert claims that the device offers 10 times greater accuracy than common scanners used in hospitals. This high resolution allows us to visualize in unprecedented detail tiny structures in the brain, such as tiny blood vessels that feed the cortex, and previously imperceptible details.

“In this way, neuroscientists and doctors can gain a deeper understanding of the anatomy of the brain and the specific areas involved in various cognitive functions, such as reading, facial recognition and thought processes. This paves the way for new studies on how different brain regions interact to carry out complex tasks and how these functions can be affected by diseases,” reports the expert.

For the neurosurgeon, by enabling detailed visualization of brain structures and how they are affected by different pathologies, doctors can identify specific changes associated with neurodegenerative conditions, brain tumors, traumatic brain injuries, among others, with unprecedented precision.

Greater chance of treatment success

Another point is that by better understanding the structural and functional changes in the brain caused by these diseases, researchers can develop more targeted and personalized therapies, increasing the chances of treatment success.

In the context of mental disorders such as bipolar disorder, the use of the scanner can improve treatment by providing a clearer view of how medications affect the brain, better understanding which patients are most likely to respond positively to treatment, and allowing for more personalized and efficient. .

Expectations are also high when it comes to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Mendes says that by enabling detailed visualization of the brain at never-before-achieved resolution, researchers hope to uncover new information about how these diseases affect the structure and function of the brain.

While the unprecedented precision of the MRI scanner opens up new possibilities for research and treatment of neurological conditions, it also presents challenges and ethical considerations.

Among the challenges, the doctor highlights the need to ensure that the use of this technology is safe for patients, given the powerful magnetic field involved, and the importance of managing expectations, since the instrument is not intended for immediate clinical diagnoses .

“It is also important to ensure mass access to these technological advances, so that the benefits can reach a wide range of patients,” concludes the professional.

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Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.