NEUR535 - Neuroimaging Flashcards
Learning Outcomes
* Identify the neuroimaging procedures that are used in Clinical
neuroscience
* Understand the mechanisms by which different neuroimaging
devices acquire their images
* Describe the advantages and disadvantages of each
neuroimaging device
* Understand the use of neuroimaging in behavioral neuroscience
research
What are the key general uses for neuroimaging?
- Disease Differentation
- Diagnosis
- Monitoring disease progression
- Monitor treatment outcomes
How is neuroimaging utilised in research?
- Highlighting the neuroanatomical an functional activity changes in the brain for psychological conditions
– Understanding pathophysiology of disease conditions in research
- Investigate treatament and therapy intervention effectiveness
6 key Forms of neuroimaging for cerebral changes in neurphsiology and neurpsychology research…?
– Electroencephalography (EEG)
– Computed Axial Tomography Scan (CT scan)
– Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
– Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
– Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
– Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography
(SPECT)
What is electroencephalography EEG used for in neuroscience?
Investigate brain electrical activity and cerebral changes
What is the mechanism of EEG ?
- Electrodes attached to scalp
- Measures cortical voltage fluctuations from ionic current flows within the neurons
- Collective neurons in an area
- Used less than 40 minutes at a time
What are 7 key conditions why an EEG is utilised?
- Sleep studies
- Epilepsy
- Coma
- Encephalopathies
- Tumours
- Stroke
- Brain death diagnosis
What are the EEG advantages and disadvantages?
Advantage:
- electrical localisation & strength
- Risk free
- Painless
- Cheap
- Precise time recordings
Disadvantage:
- Poor resolution
- Doesn’t record interior brain activity
What does CT scan stand for?
Computed axial tomography scan
How does a CT scan work?
- Utilize a series of x-rays applied from different directions
- uses a set of algebraic calculations to
estimate how much x-ray is absorbed by an
organ.
What kind of images do CT scans produce e.g. 3D, 2D, 4D?
2D
How are CT scans displayed?
Cross-sectional images or slices
What creates a whiter material on a CT scan?
Harder material will appear whiter in a CT scan e.g. bones
What are CT scans generally used to investigate?
- blood clots
- Intracranial bleeding
- Strokes
- Bone/vascular irregularities
- Brain tumours/cysts
- Tissue damage/swelling
- CNS trauma
- Ventricles e.g. hydrocephalus
- Herniated discs
- Epilepsies
- Encephalitis
- Spinal canal stenosis
How are CT scans used in neuroscience research?
Neurophysiological and neurophysological factors:
- Mental health disorders
- Issues post trauma
- Cognitive impairements
What are CT scan advantages?
- non-invasive/painless
- Quick (20 mins - 1hr)
- Images immediate
- Differentiating neurological disorders with similar characteristics
What are CT scan disadvantages?
- Expensive
Individuals who are:
- Obese or claustriphia
- Pregnancy
- Anxious/restless
- Contrast dye can have allergic reactions and unwanted side effects
What does MRI stand for?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
What combination does an MRI use to create 2D or 3D images?
magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves
What mechanism does an MRI use to generate images?
temporary realignment of water molecules as a result of
the high magnetic field created around the body.
What is EEG amplitude measured in?
microvolts
What are the 4 main EEG wavelengths?
- Gamma
- Beta
- Alpha
- Theta
Can an MRI differentiate between bone, soft tissues, and fluid filled spaces?
Yes - based on water content
WHat are key conditions an MRI is referred for
Diagnosis and differentiation of CNS:
- Tumours
- Structural abnormalities
- Eyes
- Inflammation
- Infection
- Vascular irregularities
- Neuro-degenerative disorders
