Brain Scanning techniques Flashcards
Detail of the brain structure of a CAT scan
- Used to take images of only part of the brain
- A CAT scan can be shown in multiple planes and can generate three dimensional images
Detail of brain structure of PET scan
- Image produced from PET scans is in color with high levels of brain activity being shown by warmer colors like red, and low levels like blue.
Detail of the brain structure fMRI scan
- Associated with the blood flow in the brain
- Activity is used to gather the information by the scanner to produce a picture
Detail of brain functioning in CAT scan
Involve passing x-rays around the head.
Multiple beams pass around the head, useful for detecting areas of the brain damage following an accident or tumors
Detail of brain functioning in PET scans
High concentration of gamma rays will be found in areas of high activity, while areas of low gamma rays will have lower activity
Detail of brain functioning in fMRI scans
Involves having your head placed inside a very large, powerful machine.
As neural activity increases in the brain, blood flow increases
Is CAT scans a risk?
May cause a risk to patients as they involve exposure to radiation and it is advised that they only used when the possible benefits to diagnosis outweigh the potential risks
Is PET scans a risk?
More invasive as they require the patient to be injected with radioactive substance.
Although carries a low risk due to the very low levels of substance involved.
But not advisable for patients to have too many of this type of scan
Is fMRI scans a risk?
Use of high - powered magnetic fields in fMRI scanning, some people are unable to have these kinds of scans.
However they are non invasive and do not involve any injections of radioactive substance
How long can CAT scans last for?
15 - 30 minutes
How long can PET scans last for?
Up to 30 minutes
How long can fMRI scans last for?
Can last up to 2 hours
How long can fMRI scans last for?
Can last up to 2 hours
