Clinical Applications of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Abstract
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that provides unique information about the biochemical composition of the human body. By excluding the overwhelming signals from water and fat, clinically relevant biomarkers such as lactate, Nacetyl aspartate, choline, creatine, glutamate/glutamine (Glx), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutathione, and myoinositol can be reliably quantified. MRS has diverse applications in investigating the metabolic window of a wide range of biochemical processes. Here, we have utilized MRS to better understand chemical changes associated with neurological disorders and treatment response. We have investigated neurometabolic imbalances in brain regions related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and found that neurometabolic changes are brain region-specific in PTSD population compared to healthy controls. MRS was applied to better understand the neurobiological processes of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in military veterans with clinically diagnosed traumatic brain injury and/or PTSD. From preliminary data, we found largest neurometabolic changes in the insula – a core component of body awareness. With improved specificity and the ability to probe microstructural and chemical changes, MRS represents a powerful tool for investigating various disorders and treatment responses.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Talavage, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Analytical chemistry|Chemistry|Clinical psychology|Neurosciences|Optics|Psychology
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