SCANS

• Still pictures


  Single static images that are 2D
• Still pictures

  • CT
  • MRI
• Dynamic pictures

  3D pictures that change in real time
• Dynamic pictures

  • fMRI
• Structural imaging

  Neuroimaging techniques that show brain structure
• Structural imaging


  • CT
  • MRI determines structural details of brain
• Functional imaging

  Neuroimaging techniques that show brain function in real time
• Functional imaging

  • fMRI
• Temporal resolution

  Ability to detect when brain activity occurred
• Greater ability to detect rapid changes in brain activity = higher temporal resolution
• High temporal resolution

  • EEG
• Spatial resolution

  Ability to differentiate which specific part of brain is active
• EEG has high temporal resolution but low spatial resolution
• Electroencephalogram (EEG)

  Functional technique that shows brain activity in real time
• How EEG works

  Electrodes placed on scalp; brain waves is detected then carried to recording machine where it is displayed
• Uses of EEG

  • Diagnose epilepsy and other seizure disorders, analysed for sleep research
• EEG

  • High temporal resolution = detect rapid changed in brain waves
  • Low spatial resolution = precise location is not clear, can be messy
• Computed Tomography (CT)

  Produces still pictures
• How CT works

  Rotating x-ray beam moves 360 degrees around the patient while taking multiple x-ray images
• Uses of CT

  • Check for fractures in skull, diagnose brain tumours, measure size of brain tumour
• CT

  • Can image bone, soft tissue, and blood vessels at the same time
  • Exposed to ionising radiation, develop cancer later in life
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

  Produces still pictures
• How MRI works

  Uses strong magnetic field and radio waves to produces pictures of brain
• Uses of MRI

  • Diagnose brain tumours, measure size of brain tumour, assess the effects of a stroke, assess brain injury from trauma
• MRI

  • Does not expose patient to ionising radiation
  • Cannot have magnetic metal on or in body
• Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

  Produces dynamic pictures
• How fMRI works

  Type of scan uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to show where neurons are consuming oxygen in the brain in real time
• Uses of fMRI

  • Shows parts of brain that are active, assess effects of a stroke
• fMRI

  • High spatial resolution
  • Does not expose ionising radiation
  • Cannot have magnetic metal on or in body