random lecture facts

Question 1

Explain the features of an MRI?

Answer 1

• Measures: Hydrogen molecules turning in a magnetic field
• Spatial Res.: 1mm ++
• Temp. Res.: N/A
• Invasive not really (but can be loud and claustrophobic)

Question 2

Explain the features of an fMRI?

Answer 2

• Measures: BOLD and hydrogen molecules
• Spatial Res.: 1mm ++ *combined with MRI
• Temp. Res.: N/A
• Invasive: not really

Question 3

Explain the features of an PET scan?

Answer 3

• Measures: oxygen, glucose neurotransmitters/receptors
• Spatial Res.: 2-4mm + (structures not very clear)
• Temp. Res.: N/A
• Invasive: yes (radioactive)

Question 4

Explain the features of an SPECT scan?

Answer 4

• Measures: oxygen, glucose neurotransmitters/receptors
• Spatial Res.: 2-4mm + (structures not very clear)
• Temp. Res.: N/A
• Invasive: yes

Question 5

Explain the features of an EEG?

Answer 5

• Measures: electrical activity of neurons
• Spatial Res.: N/A
• Temp. Res.: ++
• Invasive: no

Question 6

Explain the features of an MEG?

Answer 6

• Measures: magnetic changes due to electrical activity of neurons
• Spatial Res.: N/A
• Temp. Res.: ++
• Invasive: no

Question 7

Explain the features of an NIRS?

Answer 7

• Measures: BOLD
• Spatial Res.: N/A
• Temp. Res.: +
• Invasive: no

Question 8

Striatal-thalamic-cortical circuits are influenced by the neuro-modulatory systems, name 4 neuro-modulatory systems

Answer 8

Raphe nuclei (Serotonergic) , Basal forebrain (Cholinergic), locus coerulus (Noradrenergic), VTA/SNc (Dopaminergic)

Question 9

What is TMS?

Answer 9

Transcranial magnetic stimulation: disturbs brain activity using electromagnetic induction. Stimulates a localized and temporary brain lesion

Question 10

What is tDCS?

Answer 10

transcranial Direct Curreny Stimulation: Uses a direct current across the scalp from a positive electrode to a negative electrode. Can be used as a form of therapy for depression and chronic pain

Question 11

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using TMS and tDCS?

Answer 11

Advantages: 
- Investigate causal relationships: you can make forward inferences. 
- Simple data analysis (behavior)
- Inexpensive
- Not truly invasive
Disadvantages:
- Only cortex
- Correct placement is essential (fMRI)
- Kind of invasive; e.g. possible side effects of TMS are muscle twitches, head ache, epileptic seizure.

Question 12

What is DBS?

Answer 12

Deep Brain Stimulation:

• Neurosurgical placement of neurostimulator in the brain, directly affects localized brain activity.
• Directly changes localized brain activity
• Used as treatment for movement disorders (e.g. Parkinson’s), epilepsy, and affective disorders (i.e. major depression)

Question 13

What are the advantages and disadvantages of DBS?

Answer 13

Advantages: 
- Continual stimulation possible
- Clinical use
- Deeper structures within the brain
- Simple data analysis (behavior)
Disadvantages:
- Invasive, surgery is needed
- Risk complications due to operation and implanted hardware
- Expensive
- One fixed location

Question 14

What is dVNS?

Answer 14

Direct vagus nerve stimulation: electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve to stabalize abnormal electrical activity in the brain.