brain scans

magnetic resonance imaging (mri)

- uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce a detailed image of the inside of the body.

- when the patient lies in the scanner, radio waves are sent and the protons line up inside the body

- when the radio waves are turned off, the protons realign. This sends out radio signals

- the signals create a detailed 3D image of the brain on the MRI monitor

positron emission tomography (PET)

- injecting a radioactive material into a patient which bonds to glucose

- the radioactive material emits particles called positrons.

- these combine with electrons in the body and produces radioactive waves.

- the scanner converts the waves into electrical signals.

- these signals produce 3D, coloured images of the level of activity occurring throughout the brain