Spectroscopy

     MR spectroscopy provides a measure of brain chemistry. The most common nuclei that are used are ¹H (proton), Na (sodium), P (phosphorus). Proton spectroscopy is easier to perform and provides much higher signal-to-noise than either sodium or phosphorus. Proton MRS can be performed within 10-15 minutes and can be added on to conventional MR imaging protocols. It can be used to serially monitor biochemical changes in tumours, stroke, epilepsy, metabolic disorders, infections, and neuro-degenerative diseases. The MR spectra do not come labelled with diagnoses. They require interpretation and should always be correlated with the MR images before making a final diagnosis.