Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Neuroimaging

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Neuroimaging 1. fMRI vs. MRI First up, we have fMRI and MRI. While both are imaging techniques used in neurology, they serve different purposes. MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, provides detailed structural images of the brain. On the other hand, fMRI, or functional MRI, measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow. So, MRI gives us the 'what' of the brain, while fMRI gives us the 'how' and 'when'. 2. Sensitivity vs. Specificity Next, let's talk about sensitivity and specificity. These terms are often used when discussing the accuracy of a diagnostic test. Sensitivity refers to the test's ability to correctly identify individuals with a particular condition. Specificity, on the other hand, measures the test's ability to correctly identify individuals without the condition. In neuroimaging, both sensitivity and specificity are crucial for accurate diagnoses. 3. Gray Matter vs. White Matter