Brain imaging techniques

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

A technique that measures electrical activity in the brain using electrodes attached to the scalp. It provides insights into brain states such as sleep, arousal, and cognitive states by capturing the electrical impulses generated by neuronal activity. EEG is valued for its high temporal resolution, allowing researchers to observe changes in brain activity within milliseconds.

fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A non-invasive imaging technique that measures blood flow changes as an indication of brain activity. fMRI tracks the flow of oxygenated blood to different parts of the brain, revealing active areas during cognitive tasks. It's widely used for mapping brain functions and understanding brain connectivity.

MEG (Magnetoencephalography)

A technique that records magnetic fields produced by electrical currents in the brain, providing excellent temporal resolution. MEG allows researchers to pinpoint the timing and location of neural activity with high precision, making it valuable for studying transient cognitive processes.

PET (Positron Emission Tomography)

A functional imaging technique that injects radioactive substances to visualize blood activity in the brain. PET scans measure metabolic processes, revealing areas of high activity and aiding in the diagnosis of conditions like cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

Deep Brain Stimulation

An invasive method where electrodes are implanted in specific brain regions to treat movement disorders like Parkinson's disease. This technique modulates abnormal neuronal activity to alleviate symptoms, and ongoing advancements aim to enhance the precision of stimulation.

Single Cell Recordings

A technique for recording voltage or current changes from neurons using a micro-electrode. This method provides detailed insights into the firing patterns of individual neurons, helping researchers understand how neural circuits operate and contribute to behavior.

Electrocorticography (ECoG)

A method used to monitor electric activity on the exposed surface of the brain, often for epilepsy research. ECoG offers higher spatial resolution than EEG and allows for direct measurements of cortical activity, essential for locating seizure foci before surgical interventions.

Single Cell Recordings

A technique for recording voltage or current changes from neurons using a micro-electrode.

Electrocorticography (ECoG)

A method used to monitor electric activity on the exposed surface of the brain, often for epilepsy research.