Answered: During an MRI, when the radio signal is…

Chemistry

10th Edition

ISBN:9781305957404

Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste

Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste

Chapter1: Chemical Foundations

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...

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2. During an MRI, when the radio signal is removed and the hydrogen
protons re-align with the magnetic field, they emit their own radio
waves. Suggest why this might occur.

Transcribed Image Text:Exit Pullscreen Enhanced MRI Images and Epilepsy Research Four to five of every one thousand Canadians have epilepsy, a disorder characterized by sudden changes in brain function that often result in seizures. Thirty percent of individuals with epilepsy do not respond to medications and are diagnosed with medically-intractable epilepsy. Dr. Jorge Burneo of the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario hopes to better understand the causes of this condition with the help of the newest addition to the university's research arsenal, a 7 Tesla MRI. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) technology uses radio waves along with a powerful magnet and a computer to generate images of soft tissue. Like electrons, protons spin on their axes. However, the orientation of these axes is random. The strong magnetic field generated by the MRI magnet affects the protons in hydrogen atoms in body tissue, causing their axes to align with the same orientation. This is similar to how the needles in compasses adopt a north-south alignment when exposed to Earth's magnetic field. When exposed to radio waves at a specific frequency, certain protons are momentarily "knocked" out of this alignment. When the radio signal is removed, these protons re-align with the magnetic field, emitting their own radio waves as they do so. These signals are "read" by the computer to produce a detailed image of the body tissue. Image resolution depends on the strength of the magnet, which is measured in teslas, the SI unit of measurement for the concentration of a magnetic field. Used only for research purposes, the 7 Telsa is the world's most powerful MRI and the only one of its kind in Canada. Dr. Jorge Burneo (cente) and his colleagues Dr. Rob Bartha (on the right) and Jake Penner (doctoral candidate, on the left) are shown here with the 7 Tesla MRI that they use in their research into epilepsy. The 7 Tesla gives Dr. Burneo and his research team a glimpse into the brains of individuals with medically-intractable epilepsy in a way that less-powerful MRIs cannot. "We hope," Dr. Burneo states, "that with the use of the 7T technology, we will be able to identify structural abnormalities not seen in standard testing." Small changes within tissue can be detected by this powerful MRI. Dr. Burneo and his team are using a technique called magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to investigate metabolic changes in regions of the brain where seizures are generated. MRS uses special software to create a profile of all metabolites, both normal and abnormal, produced in these areas. The profile enables Dr. Burneo to study abnormal metabolic changes in these regions in individuals with medically-intractable epilepsy. In the past, these studies could only be completed by inserting electroscopes through a hole in the skull, a procedure associated with significant risk. Therefore, 7 Tesla technology provides Dr. Burneo with a safe and effective way to better understand medically-intractable epilepsy and, ultimately, help doctors treat this condition. QUESTIONS Related Career MRI technicians are medical professionals who operate MRI machinery in hospitals or diagnostic imaging centres. MRI technicians undergo a two-year certification program that provides them with an understanding of MRI technology as well as a solid background in anatomy and physiology. In addition to strong technical skills, MRI technicians require skills in problem solving, communication, and team collaboration, as they work with other members of a diagnostic health-care team to provide patient care. 1. Explain the role that proton spin plays in magnetic resonance imaging. 2. During an MRI, when the radio signal is removed and the hydrogen protons re-align with the magnetic field, they emit their own radio waves. Suggest why this might occur.

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