Brain Scanning Techniques

Question 1

What is a CAT scan?

Answer 1

-brain scanning technique which involves passing x-rays into the head from diff. angles

Question 2

What is a PET scan?

Answer 2

• injection with glucose
  
  • which diss. into blood
    
    • has been tagged with radioactive tracer
      
      • task given 2 stimulate brains
      • gamma rays passed thru
      • high activity: warm colours
      • low activity: cooler coulers

Question 3

What is a fMRI scan?

Answer 3

• Head passed through ELECTROMAGNET

- brain activity followed through blood flow

Question 4

What are the strengths of a CAT scan?

Answer 4

• detailed (det. areas of brain damage)
  
  • +help with planning surgeries
• faster and more efficient
  
  • reducing risks associated with extended anaesthetics use

Question 5

What are the weaknesses of a CAT scan

Answer 5

• through x-ray: exposure to radiation
  
  • not advisable to do multiple times
• can not detect how the brain is functioning

Question 6

What are the strengths of a PET scan?

Answer 6

• can help see where problem lies
• can predict which issues patient might have
• can help identify brain damage or tumors

Question 7

What are the weaknesses of a PET scan?

Answer 7

• invasive
• limited amount of radioactive tracer(can not hv too many)
• long term effects of having too much tracer unclear

Question 8

What are the strengths of a fMRI scan?

Answer 8

• non-invasive

- no associated risks (unlike CAT and PET scan)

Question 9

What are the weaknesses of a fMRI scan?

Answer 9

• some ppl unable to have due to use of high powered magnets

- may trigger claustrophobia/ discomf. in some due to tight spaces