Neuroimaging
Neuroimaging
(description, uses, strengths, limitations)
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Records movement of electricity across the scalp to indicate neuronalactivity
Electrons pick up and record electrical activity in the brain
Measures brain frequency (brainwaves per second)
Measures brain wave amplitude
higher amplitude = stronger signal
Uses:
Detect and investigate epilepsy
Investigate states of consciousness
Diagnosing abnormalities
→ Deafness
→ Visual issues in infants
Advantages:
Cheap
Good temporal resolution
No radiation
Non invasive
Easily transportable
Disadvantages:
Does not indicate why a problem is occurring
Needs lots of interpretation
Background
Artifacts
Still images: shows structure of the nervous system
Diagnose abnormalities (physical)
Dynamic images: shows function of the nervous system
Diagnose functional diseases
Computed Axial Tomography (CT)
Still imaging
Multiple x-rays taken
Computer uses images to create cross-sectional picture of brain
Uses:
Detect:
Tumors
Strokes
Abnormalities in brain structure
Advantages:
Shows extent of a lesion
Quicker than MRI
Disadvantages:
Higher levels of radiation
= ^ risk of cancer
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Still imaging
Uses strong magnetic field, radio-frequency pulses and computers to produce 3D images
Uses:
Detect:
Tumors
Other abnormalities
Advantages:
No ionising radiation
Excellent spatial resolution
Disadvantages:
Strong magnetic field
High cost
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
Dynamic imaging
Used to measure activity in brain when neurons are consuming oxygen
Uses:
Enables observation and measurement of changes in the brain during activity
Advantages:
No ionising radiation
Enables observation and measurement of changes in the brain during activity
Disadvantages:
Strong magnetic field