Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Autism Research

[hugh tierney]

Autism was discovered almost a century ago, but, to this day, medical
researchers do not know what causes the condition. Nevertheless,
despite the fact that the cause is unknown, it is widely accepted that
autism spectrum disorders are the result of brain abnormalities in
relation to brain structure or function. However, due to the fact that
underlying causes of these abnormalities remains a mystery, various
studies have been conducted to learn more - studies such as Magnetic
Resonance Spectroscopy and autism.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a scanning technique that is
very similar to an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). The main
difference is the MRS method is non image based; however, both
techniques can be utilized at the same time. The purpose of a magnetic
resonance spectroscopy is to examine the brain's hydrogen and
phosphorus atoms, and gather information regarding the brain's regions
where chemical activity is present.
Depending on the data that is collected during a magnetic resonance
spectroscopy session, MRS can identify metabolic and other
abnormalities occurring within the biochemical process of the brain,
and assess if the upper motor neurons in the brain are effectively
functioning....

http://groups.google.com/group/autismnvc