Brain Scanners

Question 1

Shows brain activity in real time, brain waves detected and recorded by machine

Answer 1

EEG

Question 2

EEG uses

Answer 2

Diagnoses epilepsy, sleep research, which part of brain used for tasks, if people in comas are brain dead

Question 3

EEG strengths

Answer 3

High temporal resolution (rapid changes), safe and non-invasive

Question 4

EEG limitations

Answer 4

Low spatial resolution (can’t pinpoint precise location of activity)

Question 5

Takes 360 pic of patient, produces construction of brain like slices, structural neuro imaging technique

Answer 5

CT

Question 6

CT strengths

Answer 6

Check for fractures in skull, diagnose tumours, assess brain injury from trauma

Question 7

CT limitations

Answer 7

Exposure to ionising radiation, not suitable for pregnant women

Question 8

Magnetic fields and radio waves produce still pics of brain

Answer 8

MRI

Question 9

MRI uses

Answer 9

Diagnose brain tumour and size, assess affects of stroke, asses brain injury from trauma

Question 10

MRI strengths

Answer 10

More detailed than CT, no radiation exposure

Question 11

MRI limitations

Answer 11

No metal present on body, can make loud noises

Question 12

Measure activities of brain using haemoglobin and oxyhaemoglobin BOLD (blood oxygen level dependant)

Answer 12

fMRI

Question 13

fMRI Strengths

Answer 13

Determine level of neural activity with high accuracy, no radiation

Question 14

fMRI limitations

Answer 14

No metal present, takes longer