Brain Scanners Flashcards
Shows brain activity in real time, brain waves detected and recorded by machine
EEG
EEG uses
Diagnoses epilepsy, sleep research, which part of brain used for tasks, if people in comas are brain dead
EEG strengths
High temporal resolution (rapid changes), safe and non-invasive
EEG limitations
Low spatial resolution (can’t pinpoint precise location of activity)
Takes 360 pic of patient, produces construction of brain like slices, structural neuro imaging technique
CT
CT strengths
Check for fractures in skull, diagnose tumours, assess brain injury from trauma
CT limitations
Exposure to ionising radiation, not suitable for pregnant women
Magnetic fields and radio waves produce still pics of brain
MRI
MRI uses
Diagnose brain tumour and size, assess affects of stroke, asses brain injury from trauma
MRI strengths
More detailed than CT, no radiation exposure
MRI limitations
No metal present on body, can make loud noises
Measure activities of brain using haemoglobin and oxyhaemoglobin BOLD (blood oxygen level dependant)
fMRI
fMRI Strengths
Determine level of neural activity with high accuracy, no radiation
fMRI limitations
No metal present, takes longer