Ways to examine the Brain

EEG

measures brain waves/electrical activity

-seen a lot on sleep studies

-w/ skull cap or individual electrodes-can measure brain activity

CAT Scan

uses x-rays to create a 3 dimensional image

-nice view of soft tissue as well as dense bone structure

PET Scan

radioactive glucose to see functioning of the brain OR where is activity occurring in the brain

MRI

magnetic radio waves to see structure of the soft tissue (shows more details)

fMRI

functional neuroimaging procedure using fMRI technology that measures brain activity by detecting associated changes in blood flow

-relies upon that cerebral blood flow and neuro activation are coupled

-shows activity and structure

Cognitive Neural Prosthesis

Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) which allows humans to interact with machines simply by thought

-researchers have begun to study whether a machine that detects electrical signals in the brain can be used to control robotic limbs or even computers

Targeted Lesioning (damaging)

used in animal experiments and some surgeries

-targeted damage to parts of brain

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

magnets are used to alter electrical signals in the brain used as treatments for variety of brain-related conditions