2.11B and 2.12B **Higher and Biology Only** - CT and PET Scanning, Treating Brain Injury Flashcards
Why do doctors need to look inside the brain?
To examine brain tissue for injury and disease.
Why is physically examining the brain highly invasive?
Cutting the skull open is highly invasive and often does not provide clues about brain function.
What imaging techniques can be used to examine the brain?
CT (Computerised Tomography) and PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans.
How do CT scans work?
CT scans fire X-Ray radiation at the brain from several angles to generate a 3D image.
What is a primary use of CT scans?
To examine bleeding within the skull and damage to brain structures.
Who is CT scanning usually not recommended for?
Pregnant women and children.
What is injected into the blood before a PET scan?
A radioactive ‘tracer’.
What does a PET scan highlight?
Areas where the tracer builds up, indicating greater blood flow.
What is a common use of PET scans?
Identifying cancerous tumours.
Why is investigating brain function difficult?
It is complex, delicate, easily damaged, and not fully understood.
What is a challenge in treating brain diseases?
Drugs cannot always reach the brain due to protective membranes.
Can cancerous tumours form in the brain?
Yes, cancerous tumours can form in the brain like in other body parts.
What can cancerous tumours do in the brain?
They can push against structures and blood vessels, restricting their function.
What makes some tumours difficult to remove?
They can be buried deep in the brain or spinal cord.
