[Guest]

Can someone tell me the difference in this vs. an MRI I have a large, deep AVM and may be scheduled for a "functional MRI" by a neuropsycholigist to check on neurological
deficits.

[Guest]

An AVM (Arterial Venous Malformation) is an abnormality of blood vessels. These can occur anywhere in the brain and can be treated endovascularly, with gamma knife or surgery. If your doctor is planning on operating he/she may request a functional MRI (fMRI). This is a new technique for imaging brain activity. During the scan you will be asked to perform specific tasks, such as moving your fingers. The MRI can actually localize those areas of the brain that are being activated as your fingers are moving. By performing this test your doctor can see the relationship of the AVM to those "eloquent" (vision, language, motor, etc) areas of the brain.
[quote] Can someone tell me the difference in this vs. an MRI, I have a large, deep AVM and may be scheduled for a "functional MRI" by a neuropsycholigist to check on neurological
deficits... [/quote]

[Guest]

Thank you for your reply.
I am scheduled to have the functional MRI on 5-14-02. Its, amazing the various things I've learned during my acquistion of info. re. the AVM. I've known of its exitence for 6 years, being 46, I'm thankful I've had been symptomology. Now, I'm beginning to realize I have probably been compensating various parts of my brain to remain functional. At last a reason for never being capable of passing a math test. I do hold a Master's degree.
[quote] An AVM (Arterial Venous Malformation) is an abnormality of blood vessels. These can occur anywhere in the brain and can be treated endovascularly, with gamma knife or surgery... [/quote]