Brain Scans

Question 1

MRI’s

Answer 1

Magnetic field which causes atoms to move in the body, once the magnet is off, atoms will return to their original positions, signals are detected and used to create MRI images.
+ no harmful radiation
+ detailed images
+ live brain can be investigated

• 2D image
• long
• expensive

Question 2

PET scans

Answer 2

Radioactive tracer is injected and combined with sugar, positrons collide with electrons producing gamma rays.
+ minor move,nets do not affect the results
+ affective
+ less claustrophobic

• tracer is invasive
• Not for pregnant women

Question 3

EEGs

Answer 3

Electrodes are placed on scalp, this creates electrical impulses in the brain, visual display of activity in the brain.
+ no radiation
+ risk free
+ non-invasive
+ cheap

• unable to scan deeper areas of the brain
• electrical activity is detected in many parts of the brain