Brain Scanning Techniques Flashcards
What is a CAT scan?
A structural scanning technique that picks up brain damage and other abnormalities
What does CAT scan stand for?
Computerised Axial Tomography
How does a CAT scan work?
The scanner passes multiple x-Ray beams around the head at different angles
What is a PET scan?
A functional scanning technique that can identify damage or tumours and also show which areas of the brain are used/ active
How does a PET scan work?
A radioactive tracer is mixed with glucose and is injected into the bloodstream
How are the pictures interpreted on a CAT scan
By a computer to form 2D or 3D images
How are pictures from a PET scan interpreted
Different colours- red/orange show high activity
Blue/green show Low activity
What does PET stand for?
Positron emission tomography
What is an fMRI scan?
A functional scanning technique that shows brain activity
How does an fMRI work?
Electromagnetic waves and radio waves are passed through the head by a magnet
What does the fMRI scan measure
Changes in blood flow in particular Areas of the brain when a task is carried out
What does the fMRI scan produce?
Moving pictures that show activity
What is a strength of.all the scans?
Clear and objective
CAT- detect areas of damage
PET- areas not functioning normally
fMRI- measure brain functioning
