Exam #1: Neuroimaging Flashcards
what are the most relevant neuroimaging techniques for aphasiologists to know about?
- structural neuroimaging
- functional neuroimaging
types of structural neuroimaging:
- (CAT/CT) Computerized Axial Tomography
- (MRI) Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- (DTI) Difussion Tensor Imaging
- Cerebral Angiography (arteriography)
types of functional neuroimaging:
- (fMRI) Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- (PECT/PET) Positron Emission (Computed Tomography)
- (EEG) Electroencephalography
structural neuroimaging
have a picture of the brain to see what is going on
functional neuroimaging
shows how your brain is functioning
Structural Neuroimaging:
Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT/CT) scan
- takes x-rays of thin slices of the brain (1-2 mm thick)
- bone and blood are high in density and absorb many x-rays, show up as light areas)
- white and gray matter and the ventricles are low density areas that don’t absorb many x-rays and therefore show up as dark areas (e.g., cerebral infarctions, edema, cystic lesions)
CT is useful in detecting both…
focal and progressive pathologies
for a CT scan, infarct may not be visible on the scan in what stages?
- acute
- fails to reveal small lesions
CT scan is useful to rule out…
- hemorrhages
- it is an important screening factor for the administration of tPA
- it is a quick and easy way of looking at the brain in the E.R.
what is tPA (thrombolytic plasminogen activator)?
a drug that acts as a clot buster when administered in the first hours following ischemic stroke onset
cost of CT scan:
- $1,500 (cheaper than MRI)
- available in most medical centers in the U.S.
(will not reveal lacunae arteries because they are too small)
Structural Neuroimaging:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- capitalizes on the magnetic activities of hydrogen molecules contained in water in the body
- does not use radiation
why does an MRI show excellent distinctions between gray and white matter?
because gray matter contains more water than with matter
Why is an MRI superior to a CT scan for spatial resolution and identifying ischemic storkes?
- it detects small lesions missed by CT
- however, it takes longer to obtain images, and it makes loud banging noises, which some patients are unable to tolerate
Some patients may be unable to have MRI scans if they have metals that stick to magnets (e.g., pacemaker)
- damage device components
- inhibit pacemaker function
- trigger rapid pacing
- deliver inappropriate shocks
cost of an MRI:
$2,000 to 4,000