Topic 2 - CT And PET , Scanning , Treating Brain Injury

Question 1

What are CT and PET scans used for?

Answer 1

To look inside the brain to examine brain tissue for injury and disease

CT scans provide a detailed 3D image of the brain, while PET scans highlight areas with increased blood flow.

Question 2

How do CT scans generate images of the brain?

Answer 2

By firing X-Ray radiation at the brain from several different angles

This method creates a 3D image useful for examining bleeding and damage.

Question 3

What are the risks of CT scans for certain populations?

Answer 3

Not recommended for pregnant women and children due to higher radiation exposure

The radiation doses in CT scans are higher than those in normal X-rays.

Question 4

What is injected into the blood before a PET scan?

Answer 4

A radioactive ‘tracer’

The tracer is used to identify areas of increased blood flow in the brain.

Question 5

What do brighter areas on a PET scan indicate?

Answer 5

Areas where the tracer builds up, indicating greater blood flow

This is particularly useful for identifying cancerous tumors.

Question 6

What challenges are associated with treating brain damage and disease?

Answer 6

It is complex, delicate, easily damaged, and drugs may not reach the brain

Additionally, the functions of different brain parts are not fully understood.

Question 7

How do cancerous tumors affect brain function?

Answer 7

They can push against other structures and blood vessels, restricting their function

Tumors may also be buried deep in the brain or spinal cord, complicating removal.

Question 8

Fill in the blank: CT scans are usually not recommended for _______ and _______.

Answer 8

pregnant women, children

This is due to the higher doses of radiation involved.

Question 9

True or False: PET scans are less invasive than physically examining the brain.

Answer 9

True

PET scans allow for examination of brain function without invasive procedures.

Question 10

What is the primary function of the radioactive tracer in PET scans?

Answer 10

To highlight areas with greater blood flow in the brain

These areas are often linked to increased metabolic activity, such as cancerous tumors.

Question 11

What is a significant characteristic of cancerous tumors?

Answer 11

They result from changes in cells leading to uncontrolled cell division

This characteristic is common in tumors found throughout the body, including the brain.