Highly sensitive brain blood flow measurements using ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging

The brain is dependent on a continuous supply of blood to function effectively. Disruption to blood flow, or "perfusion", in the brain is linked to a range of diseases, including stroke and dementia. In this proposal I aim to develop highly sensitive new methods for mapping brain blood flow based on a non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging technique, arterial spin labelling. I will use a scanner with a very strong magnetic field, enabling much sharper images to be produced in shorter scan times than is normally possible. I will then use the improved sensitivity of these new techniques to gain new insight in two important areas: investigating perfusion changes in patients with dementia and gaining a deeper understanding of how the brain responds to pain. Ultimately, these methods will lead to a better understanding of disease and improved care for patients with a wide range of conditions.