Comparison of Neuroimaging Techniques: Structure & Metabolism

Question 1

What are the advantages, disadvantages & resolution of SPECT?

Answer 1

Single photon emission computerised tomography
Advantages:
-Low Cost
-Available
Disadvantages:
-Invasive
-Limited Resolution
Resolution: 10mm
V good spatial resolution

Question 2

What are the advantages, disadvantages & resolution of PET?

Answer 2

Positron Emission Tomography
Advantages:
-Sensitive
-Good resolution
-Metabolic studies
-Receptor mapping
Disadvantages:
-Very expensive
Resolution: 5mm
V good spatial resolution

Question 3

What are the advantages, disadvantages & resolution of EEG?

Answer 3

Electroencephalogram
Advantages:
-Very low cost
-Sleep & operation monitoring
Disadvantages:
-Not an imaging technique
Resolution: Poor

Question 4

What are the advantages, disadvantages & resolution of MEG?

Answer 4

Magnetoencephalography
Advantages:
-High temporal resolution
Disadvantages:
-Very expensive
-Limited resolution for deep structures
Resolution: 5mm

Question 5

What are the advantages, disadvantages & resolution of fMRI?

Answer 5

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Advantages:
-Excellent resolution
-Non-invasive
Disadvantages:
-Expensive
-Limited to activation studies
Resolution: 3mm

Question 6

What are the advantages, disadvantages & resolution of MRS?

Answer 6

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS)
Advantages:
-Non-invasive
-Metabolic studies
Disadvantages:
-Expensive
-Low resolution
Resolution: low

Question 7

What are the advantages, disadvantages & resolution of fNIRS?

Answer 7

Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Advantages:
-Non-invasive
-Excellent temporal resolution (~1ms)
Disadvantages:
-Cannot image deep structures such as hippocampus
Resolution: 1cm