Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of the Brain (MRS) is a specialized imaging technique that complements magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Instead of producing simple images of brain structures, MRS analyzes the chemical composition of brain tissue. It provides information about the brain’s biochemistry that is not visible on conventional MRI images and helps in diagnosis and critical therapeutic decision-making.
The examination measures levels of various chemical compounds (metabolites) in the brain, such as:
- N-acetylaspartate (NAA) – a marker of healthy nerve cells
- Choline (Cho) – related to cell membrane synthesis
- Creatine (Cr) – a marker of energy metabolism
- Lactate – may indicate oxygen deficiency or metabolic disorders
Indications for brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy include:
- Diagnosis and evaluation of brain tumors (e.g., malignant or benign)
- Differential diagnosis between tumors, inflammation, and scars
- Assessment of epilepsy
- Study of neurodegenerative diseases
- Monitoring response to brain treatments
Procedure
Brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy is usually performed together with a conventional brain MRI. The patient lies inside the MRI scanner, and the procedure takes a few additional minutes. It is painless and involves no radiation.