In vivo proton MR spectroscopy of the human brain

The advances in magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) have enabled its in vivo application to obtain the images of brains. ¹ MRS has the advantage over all other nuclei that it uses exactly the same hardware as used in conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Proton MRS of the brain gives useful information on the number of different neurological and psychiatric disorders. Such information is important in planning surgical excision or targeting localized radiotherapy. The technique plays an important role in evaluating adult, primary brain tumors. it is used in evaluating brain tumors in response to therapy. It is also heavily used as a research tool to better understand the pathophysiology of neurological disease in vivo and as a means of monitoring effects of treatment.