Comprehensive Account of Sodium Imaging and Spectroscopy for Brain Research

Sodium (Na-23) is a vital component of neuronal cells and plays a key role in various signal transmission processes. Hence, information on sodium distribution in the brain using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides useful information on neuronal health. Na-23 MRI and MR spectroscopy (MRS) improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and clinical monitoring of neurological diseases but confront some inherent limitations that lead to low signal-to-noise ratio, longer scan time, and diminished partial volume effects. Recent advancements in multinuclear MR technology have helped in further exploration in this domain. We aim to provide a comprehensive description of Na-23 MRI and MRS for brain research including the following aspects: (a) theoretical background for understanding Na-23 MRI and MRS fundamentals; (b) technological advancements of Na-23 MRI with respect to pulse sequences, RF coils, and sodium compartmentalization; (c) applications of Na-23 MRI in the early diagnosis and prognosis of various neurological disorders; (d) structural-chronological evolution of sodium spectroscopy in terms of its numerous applications in human studies; (e) the data-processing tools utilized in the quantitation of sodium in the respective anatomical regions.