Neuroimaging Techniques Flashcards
Differences or Similarities b/w MRI & fMRI
They contrast in their function and their purpose, but can also be used to complement each other.
MRIs have been used for a longer period than fMRIs, which were only invented in 1991.
Both types of scan use a magnetic field and radio waves, but they have quite different purposes.
fMRIs exclusively investigate brain activity and
processes, while the MRI can be used explore internal structural change in any part of the body.
MRI scans can be used to identify changes in
structure, such as brain tumours, while fMRIs then show how these are affecting brain processes and behaviour.
participants are ACTIVE in fMRI but PASSIVE in MRI
what is MRI best used for?
Because an MRI is used to look at changes in structure, while an fMRI is used to look at brain activity, it is of most use when looking at the changes in size and volume of brain structures in response to factors such as accident, disease,
learning or a particular environment.
when is fMRI most useful?
Because an MRI is used to look at changes in structure, while an fMRI is used to look at brain activity, it is of most use when looking at the changes in size and volume of brain structures in response to factors such as accident, disease, learning or a particular environment.
MRI scans
- advancement –> static 3D images - focusing on structure
- use magnetic field & PULSES OF RADIOWAVE ENERGY to make pics of brain
- find problems such as tumours, bleeding injury
- used by physicians to detect brain abnormalities in patients w/ dementia (memory loss)
- MRI scans are highly useful to neuropsychologists studying brain-damaged individuals because they have the advantage of being more detailed.
- how much SMALL brain areas are involved
fMRI scans
- show brain ACTIVITY
- indicates which areas of the brain are active when engaged in behaviour
- MEASURE CHANGES IN BLOOD FLOW
- specific part of brain is active = REQUIRED MORE OXYGEN so blood flow to that part of brain increases
- fMRIs produce a film that demonstrates changes in blood flow in brain during period of scan
