Final answer:
fMRI is used to identify functional and structural brain differences between healthy individuals and those with FND, by tracking real-time changes in blood flow and oxygen consumption in the brain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) is an advanced brain imaging technique that measures changes in blood flow and oxygen levels in the brain to map neural activity. When comparing healthy subjects and those with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), fMRI scans reveal differences in brain function relating to the disorder. This neuroimaging tool allows researchers to see how various brain regions operate during thought processes, experiences, or actions, by detecting the blood oxygen-dependent signal, which changes when nerve cells are more active.
The utilization of fMRI scans assists in understanding and visualizing the cerebral structure and functionality in unprecedented detail. Activity-dependent increases in blood flow, coupled with oxygen consumption by nerve cells, are the basis of fMRI analysis. Such images are crucial in discerning the differences in functional brain patterns between those with FND and their healthy counterparts, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms of psychological disorders.