Reported September 2010

MAGNETS AND MEDICINE: MRI and fMRI both produce large magnetic fields in order to align water molecules within the body. The technology detects the magnetic field of those water molecules and uses that to interpret internal structures. MRI is used to image the body, while fMRI generally images blood flow within the brain. They are used for their detail and because of the quality of image they produce and because they do not expose the body to radiation. Tran cranial magnetic stimulation is a technique used to induce small electrical currents in the brain. It is used as a treatment tool and to study the functions and interconnections of the brain.

ABOUT STROKES: A stroke is a type of cardiovascular disease that affects the arteries leading to and from the brain. When one of these becomes blocked or bursts, blood and oxygen can't get to that part of the brain and it begins to die. Strokes can cause paralysis, affect language and vision, and lead to memory loss. Strokes kill nearly 163,000 people every year; they are the third leading cause of death, behind heart disease and cancer.

If you would like more information, please contact:

Nick Hansen
Public Affairs
University of Minnesota
(612)624-2449
hans2853@umn.edu

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