Investigating the brain

• The nervous system enables humans to react to their surroundings and coordinate their behavior
• The nervous system comprises millions of neurones and uses electrical impulses to communicate quickly
• Modern science has allowed scientists to map various regions of the brain to particular functions
• Neuroscientists have studied patients with brain damage, electrically stimulated different parts of the brain, and used MRI scanning techniques to understand brain function
• Phineas Gage had a serious accident in 1848 where an iron rod went through his skull, leading to changes in his personality
• The iron rod passing through his skull caused damage to particular parts of his brain, resulting in the observed personality changes
• Phineas Gage survived the accident but experienced changes in his social and emotional inhibitions
• Non-invasive brain procedures include:

  • Electrical stimulation: stimulating different parts of the brain with a weak electrical current to observe patient responses
  • EEGs (Electroencephalograms): created to observe electrical activity in the brain
  • MRI brain scans: use magnetic fields and radio waves to show brain structure and function
• Brain surgery may be necessary to remove tumors or excess fluid, but it carries risks due to the complexity and delicacy of the brain
• Investigating and treating brain disorders can be challenging due to the risks involved in brain surgery
• Surgery may lead to additional damage or side effects that could impact the patient's quality of life
• Considerations about the risks versus benefits of brain surgery need to be carefully evaluated