Methods in Biopsychology & Brain Injury

Flashcards covering methods in biopsychology, brain injury and associated terminology.

Structural Brain Imaging

Imaging techniques like CT, MRI, and DTI that provide static views of brain structure.

Functional Brain Imaging

Imaging techniques like PET, fMRI, and EEG that capture dynamic brain activity and function.

Temporal Resolution

The resolution related to the time the measure was taken.

Spatial Resolution

The resolution related to the size.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

A non-invasive brain stimulation technique that uses magnetic fields to induce electrical currents in specific brain regions.

Neuropsychology: Lesion

A method studying the brain by observing the consequences of brain injury.

Electroencephalograph (EEG)

A brain scanning technique measuring electrical activity in the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp.

Magnetoencephalography (MEG)

A brain scanning technique that measures magnetic fields produced by electrical activity in the brain.

ERP and ERF components

Components such as P100, N100, P200 that require multiple trials to emerge from continuous recordings.

Event-Related Potentials (ERPs)

The average of many trials of EEG recordings in response to a particular stimulus, used to identify neural activity related to specific cognitive events.

N400 Component

Component associated with the processing of the meaning of stimuli (semantic processing).

N170 Component

Component associated with the processing of faces.

Computed Tomography (CT or CAT)

A neuroimaging technique that uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the brain.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A neuroimaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain's structure.

Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)

A type of MRI that measures the diffusion of water molecules in the brain to visualize white matter tracts.

Functional Imaging

Computerized methods of detecting metabolic or chemical changes within the living brain.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

A functional imaging technique that uses radioactive tracers to measure brain activity.

Functional MRI (fMRI)

A functional imaging technique that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood oxygen levels.

BOLD Response

The change in signal dependent on blood oxygen level.

Neuropsychology: Lesions

A method that infers brain function by observing consequences of brain injury.

Stroke (CVA)

Blood flow is disrupted in this type of brain injury.

Hypoxia

Type of brain injury where there is a lack of oxygen.

Tumors

Abnormal cell growth.

Degenerative disorder

Alzheimer's, Parkinson's are this type of brain injury.

Epilepsy

A condition of recurrent seizures.

Diaschisis

Areas not damaged may also be functioning abnormally.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Impairment in brain function as a result of mechanical force.

Penetrating (open) Head Injury

Type of injury caused by bullets, spikes, scissors or any projectile/sharp object.

Blunt (closed) Head Injury

Type of injury caused by falls, motor vehicles, bikes, or assault.

Primary Injury

Brain injury at the moment of impact.

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

A scale that ranges from 3-15 and is done before any medication/treatment is given.

GCS = 14-15

Mild TBI injury classification.

GCS = 9-13

Moderate TBI injury classification.

GCS = 3-8

Severe TBI injury classification.

Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE)

Questions asked on themes such as Orientation, Immediate recall, Attention and Calculation, Recall and Language to get a final score.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Cerebrovascular accident caused by rupture of cerebral blood vessel.

Ischemic Stroke

Cerebrovascular accident caused by occlusion of blood vessel.

Ischemia

Interruption of blood supply to region of body.

Thrombus

Blood clot that forms within blood vessel, which may occlude it.

Embolus

Piece of material that floats from one part of vascular system to block another part.

Alzheimer's disease

Degenerative brain disorder of unknown origin that causes progressive memory loss, motor deficits, and eventual death.

Tumor

Mass of cells whose growth is uncontrolled and that serves no useful function.

Metastases

Process by which cells break off of a tumor, travel through vascular system, and grow elsewhere in body.

Malignant Tumor

Cancerous, lacks distinct border and may metastasize.

Benign Tumor

Noncancerous and has distinct border and cannot metastasize.

Glioma

Cancerous brain tumor composed of one of several types of glial cells.

Meningioma

Benign brain tumor composed of cells that constitute meninges.