Lecture6_NeuroMethods_Brain_injury_2025
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.