Page 1: Methods in Biopsychology & Brain Injury

Lecture Information

• Course: PS11220

• Lecture: 6

• Instructor: Dr. Alexander Taylor

• Email: alt48@aber.ac.uk

• Location: Room 0.15, Penbryn 5

Page 2: Overview of Methods in Biopsychology

Types of Methods to Study the Living Human Brain

Structure/Static Imaging Techniques

• CT (Computed Tomography)

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

• DTI (Diffusion Tensor Imaging)

Functional/Dynamic Imaging Techniques

• PET (Positron Emission Tomography)

• fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

• EEG (Electroencephalography)

Stimulation Methods

• TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)

Neuropsychology

• Lesion Studies

Advantages and Disadvantages

Page 3: Key Resolutions for Imaging Techniques

Resolutions Explained

Temporal Resolution (Time)

• Example: Performance at The ATHENS 2004 Olympic Games - Men's 100m Final

Spatial Resolution (Size)

• Geographic locations mentioned: Southport, M61, M6, etc.

Page 4: Brain Imaging Techniques and TBI

Imaging Techniques Overview

• MEG (Magnetoencephalography), EEG, ERP (Event-Related Potentials)

• fNRIS (Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy)

Brain Injury Classification

• Mild, Moderate, Severe TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and Lesions

Neuronal Structure Descriptions

• Column, Layer, Neuron, Dendrite, Synapse

Time Scales in Imaging

• Measurement in: ms (milliseconds), s (seconds), min (minutes), hour

Imaging Techniques Overview

• Non-invasive vs. Invasive methods

• Examples: TMS, fMRI, and MRI

Page 5: Historical Context of Brain Imaging

Early 20th Century Developments

• Significance of advancements in brain imaging techniques.

Page 6: Early Innovations in Brain Imaging

Key Milestones

• 1929: First recording of human EEG by Professor Dr. Hans Berger.

• Introduction of Magnetoencephalography (MEG) for brain activity detection with superconductors.

• EEG and MEG Simultaneous Recordings: Demonstration of alpha rhythms.

Page 7: Event-Related Potentials (ERPs)

Components of ERPs

• Notable components: P100, N100, P200, etc.

• Requirement of multiple trials to observe components.

Page 8: Detailed Analysis of ERPs

Measuring Response to Stimuli

• EEG recording showing processing of stimulus categories.

Page 9: ERPs and Cognitive Associations

Connections to Cognition

• N400 component associated with semantic processing.

• N170 component linked to face processing.

Page 10: Advancements in EEG Technology

Communication Systems for Locked-In Patients

• Development of low-cost EEG systems for enhancing communication for patients suffering from locked-in syndrome.

Page 11: X-Ray Technology Overview

Historical Context

• Introduction to CT scanning developed by Sir Godfrey Newbold Hounsfield.

Page 12: Overview of Computed Tomography (CT or CAT)

Key Functionalities

• Components: X-ray source and detector

• CT processes: Horizontal scans leading to 3D reconstructions of the brain.

Page 13: CT Scan Insights

Findings from CT Scans

• Peak regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) at age 2 and its importance for child development.

Page 14: Principles of MRI

MRI Mechanics

• Requires: Strong magnetic field (3.0 Tesla scanner)

• How RF coils align targeted atoms.

Page 15: MRI Specifics

Technical Overviews

• Recapitulation of MRI fundamentals—magnetic fields and resonance imaging.

Page 16: Understanding DTI (Diffusion Tensor Imaging)

Functionality of DTI

• Measures diffusivity of water molecules in axons to determine white matter architecture.

Page 17: MRI Advantages Over CT

Comparative Analysis

Advantages of MRI

• No radiation exposure.

• Enhanced spatial resolution, clear distinctions between gray and white matter, 3D imaging options.

Page 18: MRI Disadvantages

Challenges of MRI

• High cost and contraindications with ferrous materials.

Page 19: Overview of Brain Imaging Technologies

Categories of Imaging Techniques

• Functional Imaging: Understanding metabolic changes.

• Structural vs. Functional Imaging: Anatomy vs. function.

Page 20: PET Imaging

Principles of PET

• First of its kind for functional imaging, illustrating radioactive tracer distribution in the brain.

Page 21: The Rise of fMRI

Growth in fMRI Research

• Increasing trend and publications regarding connectivity studies in the brain.

Page 22: BOLD Response in fMRI

fMRI Signal Analysis

• Understanding the various phases of Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) response associated with stimuli.

Page 23: fMRI Operational Phases

Detailed BOLD Signal Dynamics

• Consumption of BOLD changes during open and closed stimuli intervals.

Page 24: Simplified fMRI Methodology

Time Course of fMRI Signals

• Overview of ROI (Region of Interest) signal analysis over time.

Page 25: TMS Methodology

Stimulation Techniques

• How TMS functions using pulsed magnetic fields to influence neuron activity.

Page 26: Neurological Effects of TMS

Mechanisms of Action

• Induces electrical fields in the cortex to alter normal neural activity.

Page 27: Virtual Lesion Approach

Neurological Research Techniques

• Understanding the impact of TMS in research.

Page 28: BBC Documentary Reflections

Media Presence

• Connection of brain injury topics in public discourse.

Page 29: Neuropsychology and Lesion Studies

Implications of Brain Injuries

• Overview of causes for brain injuries: stroke, hypoxia, tumors, degenerative disorders, epilepsy.

Page 30: Limitations of Lesion Methods

Challenges in Studying Brain Function

• Issues with brain modularity, degeneration recovery, precision of lesion impacts.

Page 31: Vulnerability of Brain Areas

Research Focus Areas

• Identification of frequently affected brain areas through overlay plots.

Page 32: Improving Lesion Methodology

Solutions for Misleading Data

• Subtraction methodologies and statistical mapping to understand function-related deficits.

Page 33: Part 1 Summary

Consolidation of Key Insights

• Emphasis on the trade-offs between resolution, cost, and patient considerations in brain imaging.

Page 34: Additional Materials

Recommended Reading & Resources

• Suggested books and videos for further understanding of brain imaging techniques.

Page 35: Part 2 Overview

Focus Areas in Brain Injury

• Topics covered include TBI types, treatment, assessment, and neurological mechanisms.

Page 36: Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Health Impact and Definitions

• TBI as a significant health concern with statistics on incidence, hospitalization, and mortality.

Page 37: Open Head vs. Closed Head Injury

Differentiation of Injury Types

• Explanation of penetrating and blunt injuries.

Page 38: Focal Injury Details

Mechanisms of Brain Damage

• Types of injuries, contusions, lacerations, and impacts on neuronal structures.

Page 39: Types of Traumatic Injuries

Primary vs. Secondary Injuries

• Definitions and implications of immediate and delayed responses to brain trauma.

Page 40: Intracranial Volume Considerations

Volume-Pressure Relationships

• Assessment of different pathology states through ICP.

Page 41: Initial Assessment Tools

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

• Explanation of how GCS assesses brain function based on eye, verbal, and motor responses.

Page 42: TBI Classification by GCS

Severity Levels

• Classification of TBI severity based on GCS scores.

Page 43: Mild TBI Characteristics

Signs and Management

• Typical indicators of mild TBI and management strategies.

Page 44: MMSE Overview

Mental State Assessment

• Description of the Mini Mental State Exam and scoring indicative of cognitive impairment.

Page 45: Moderate TBI Features

Signs and Management Strategies

• Explanation of confusion, loss of consciousness, and clinical assessments for TBI.

Page 46: Severe TBI Insights

Clinical Management

• Immediate steps for diagnosis, resuscitation, and treatment for severe cases.

Page 47: TBI Treatment Objectives

Goals of Treatment

• Focus on swelling reduction, ensuring blood flow, and addressing post-injury symptoms.

Page 48: Cerebral Blood Flow Autoregulation

Mechanisms of Regulation

• Explanation of cerebral blood flow and its relationship with intrinsic vessel responses.

Page 49: Cerebrovascular Incidents

Types of Strokes

• Description of hemorrhagic vs. ischemic strokes.

Page 50: Stroke Definitions and Implications

Key Terminology

• Definitions of ischemia, thrombus, and embolus related to cerebrovascular accidents.

Page 51: Stroke Pathophysiology

Processes of Blood Flow Interruption

• Visual representation of thrombus formation and its effects.

Page 52: Treatments for Cerebrovascular Accidents

Intervention Strategies

• Overview of surgical and pharmacological treatment options for stroke patients.

Page 53: Degenerative Disorders Overview

Conditions Affecting Cognition and Motor Behavior

• Highlighting Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other significant disorders affecting brain function.

Page 54: Alzheimer’s Disease Details

Pathological Features

• Descriptions of brain changes, including plaques and tangles, linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Page 55: Areas of Degeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease

Brain Imaging Insights

• Illustrating differences in affected brains of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

Page 56: Tumor Classification

Types of Brain Tumors

• Distinction between malignant and benign tumors, with specific examples.

Page 57: Tumor Treatment Options

Strategies for Management

• Overview of treatment methodologies for brain tumors, including surgery and chemotherapy.

Page 58: Tumor Impact on Brain Structures

Examples of Compression Effects

• Illustrating the potential for tumor growth to affect brain functioning.

Page 59: Part 2 Summary

Consolidated Overview of TBI

• Recap of different TBI types, management approaches, and assessment methodologies.

Page 60: Additional Materials for Part 2

Suggested Readings

• Recommended texts for expanded learning on brain injury and treatment.