What is Diffusion Tensor Imaging?
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which uses the rate at which water diffuses between cells to gather information about the internal structures of the body. The diffusion rate varies around barriers between different structures in the body, and this trait can be used to create a complex and detailed map of internal structures with the assistance of DTI. This technology is commonly used to examine the brain, although it can also be employed in different parts of the body. The science behind diffusion tensor imaging is very complex, but put in the simplest of terms, this type of medical imaging involves agitating molecules with electromagnetic radiation and recording the release of that energy. This data is weighted with known information about the rates of diffusion between different types of tissue to create a map of structures like nerves, muscles, and so forth. Essentially, a diffusion tensor image creates a wiring map of the body, allowing
