| Autism was discovered almost a century ago, but, to | | | | quite safe. The MRS technique allows scientists and |
| this day, medical researchers do not know what | | | | doctors the ability to efficiently measure the body's |
| causes the condition. Nevertheless, despite the fact | | | | and brain's chemicals without ever having to remove |
| that the cause is unknown, it is widely accepted that | | | | tissue or blood samples. Furthermore, MRS does not |
| autism spectrum disorders are the result of brain | | | | use potentially hazardous radioactive labels, which |
| abnormalities in relation to brain structure or function. | | | | means patients are not at risk of suffering from |
| However, due to the fact that underlying causes of | | | | negative side effects, regardless of the number of |
| these abnormalities remains a mystery, various studies | | | | times they are subjected to the MRS technique. |
| have been conducted to learn more - studies such as | | | | What is the main magnetic resonance spectroscopy |
| Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and autism. | | | | and autism connection? |
| Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a | | | | It is thought that autistics have low levels of NAA |
| scanning technique that is very similar to an MRI | | | | (N-acetylaspartate acid) within their brains. NAA is |
| (magnetic resonance imaging). The main difference is | | | | believed to be an indicator of the brain's neuron |
| the MRS method is non image based; however, both | | | | integrity in specific regions of the brain that are though |
| techniques can be utilized at the same time. The | | | | to be affected by autism. MRS can be used to |
| purpose of a magnetic resonance spectroscopy is to | | | | determine estimates of particular metabolites in the |
| examine the brain's hydrogen and phosphorus atoms, | | | | brain. Thus, in the case of autism, MRS would be |
| and gather information regarding the brain's regions | | | | focused on studying NAA levels. |
| where chemical activity is present. | | | | If MRS determines that there are indeed reduced |
| Depending on the data that is collected during a | | | | levels of NAA in the cortical and subcortical areas in |
| magnetic resonance spectroscopy session, MRS can | | | | the brain of autistics, this would indicate that neuron |
| identify metabolic and other abnormalities occurring | | | | loss or injury exists within these areas. This discovery |
| within the biochemical process of the brain, and assess | | | | will help researchers learn if a systematic relationship |
| if the upper motor neurons in the brain are effectively | | | | occurs in autistic brains among NAA levels, behavioral |
| functioning. | | | | performance, and functional activity. |
| How does it work? | | | | For more information about recognizing and treating |
| Magnetic resonance spectroscopy involves the use of | | | | autism, sign up for the free newsletter below. |
| a magnet, which causes the various chemicals within | | | | What are the benefits? It is hard to determine what |
| the brain to vibrate at diverse frequencies. MRS | | | | benefits the studies using magnetic resonance |
| creates a signature to reveal the chemicals, and | | | | spectroscopy and autism will bring. Nevertheless, it is |
| chemical amounts that are current in the brain. | | | | clear that MRS provides researchers with more |
| Is it safe? | | | | understanding about the condition. |
| Yes. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy and autism is | | | | |