Observing the human brain and understanding how it works is one of the most complex challenges in medicine and neuroscience.
Over the years, advances in imaging techniques have made it possible to study brain anatomy and what happens during activities such as memory, language, attention, and emotion.
What are neuroimaging tests and what are they used for? We talk about it with Dr. Daniele Ajello , specialist in Diagnostic Interventional and Functional Neuroradiology at the IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas , Humanitas San Pio X and Humanitas Medical Care Monza .
What is neuroimaging?
The term neuroimaging refers to the set of techniques used to obtain images of the central and peripheral nervous system and analyze their anatomical and functional characteristics.
Observing images allows us to gain insight into how the brain processes information, reacts to stimuli, and coordinates many cognitive functions. At the same time, these methods have contributed to broadening our understanding of numerous pathologies (degenerative, neoplastic, inflammatory, infectious, etc.).
In general, neuroimaging can be divided into two main areas:
- Structural neuroimaging : aims to observe brain anatomy. Among the most commonly used techniques is magnetic resonance imaging;
- Functional neuroimaging : analyzes what happens during brain activity. This field uses methods such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and electroencephalography (EEG).
What is neuroimaging used for?
Through images it is possible, in addition to analyzing anatomical alterations, to monitor specific brain functions and study the processes that regulate human behavior.
These techniques are used in the diagnosis of neurological diseases, in the planning of surgical interventions and in the study of brain mechanisms associated with memory, emotion, language and attention.
Neuroimaging tests at Humanitas Medical Care Monza
At Humanitas Medical Care Monza , you can undergo the main neuroimaging tests, possibly with contrast, when indicated by your doctor and depending on the type of exam. Available tests include:
