Investigation of impact of technological advancement in positional MRI on measuring cerebrovascular reactivity

With the advancement of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, an exciting time has emerged for research in the field of cerebral anatomy and physiology. The basis of this proposal is to employ a one of a kind imaging technique to drive forward our basic understanding of regional blood flow regulation in the human brain. The circulation of brain blood flow is profoundly influenced by the local prevailing pH (acid-base balance). An increased pH (reduced acidity) of cerebral extra-vascular tissue reduces blood flow, while a decreased pH (increased acidity) increases the cerebral blood flow. Changes in cerebral extra-vascular pH occur daily determined in large part from variations in breathing frequency (and in turn changes in arterial partial pressure of CO2). The natural reactivity of the cerebral vessels to changes in pH appear to be a surrogate for cerebral health. That is, the more the blood flow changes for a given change in pH, the healthier they are. Indeed, those with lower reactivity are at higher risk of cerebrovascular disease. TO BE CONT’D

Faculty Supervisor:

Philip Ainslie

Student:

Katelyn Norton

Partner:

Welcome Back Pain Management & Upright MRI Centre

Discipline:

Kinesiology

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

Program: