| [ Summary ] |
The procedures for measuring cerebral blood flow (CBF) and metabolism using PET and SPECT are summarized. The basic concept of CBF measurement is based on the Fick principle. The cerebral metabolism is representative of neuronal activity in the brain, because the brain can utilize only oxygen and glucose as an energy source. Under normal conditions, CBF changes may indicate alterations in neuronal activity, a phenomenon possibly forming the basis for measuring local neuronal activity changes. We can assess neuronal function localized to a specific part of the brain, after detecting a localized CBF increase based on loading of the paradigm. |