Brain Scans Flashcards
What is a brain scan?
A technique used to investigate the functioning of the brain by taking images of the living brain
What are CAT scans?
A series of X rays
Shows the brain of schizophrenia
What is an advantage of CAT scans?
Reveal abnormal structures eg tumours or structural damage
The quality is much higher than traditional x rays
What are the disadvantages of CAT scans?
Require more radiation than traditional x rays
The more details the cat scan is, the more radiation is given to the patient
Only provide structural information
What are MRI scans?
Involves the use of a magnetic field
Cause the atoms of the brain to change
What is an advantage of MRI scans?
More detailed image of the soft tissue in the brain than CAT scans
Does not expose the patient to hazards of radiation, can be used several times
What is a disadvantage of MRI scans?
Take a long time and can be uncomfortable for patients
What are PET scans?
Administrate radioactive glucose to the patient
The most active areas use glucose
Raine et al uses PET scans in comparing brain activity with murderers and normal people
What is an advantage of PET scans?
Reveal chemical information
They can distinguish benign and malignant tumours
Can show the brain in action, useful for psychological research
What is a disadvantage of PET scans?
Costly technique - Not easily available for research
Has to be injected with a radio active substance, the technique can only be used a few times
Less precise than MRI scans
