Methods for investigating brain function

Question	Answer
EEG	Electroencephalograph Detects, amplifies and records electrical activity in the entire brain by many electrodes on external of the head. Recorded through zigzags on a chart cannot pinpoint areas different patterns can detect epilepsy & tumors
CAT	Computed axial tomography static imaging x-ray sends narrow beams thu the head scans 180* & takes measurement every * looks at abnormalities -mental illness, strokes, tumors only shows brain structure -image quality not as good as MRI
MRI	Magnetic resonance imaging static imaging uses strong magnetic field, radiofrequency pulses & computers to make images. detects abnormalities & tumors patients cant have any metal on them. produces 3D images that 2D slices can be made
fMRI	Functional magnetic resonance imaging Dynamic imaging- colour images of brain measures activity when neurons consume oxygen- high oxygen levels = high activity can observe & measure change of brain during activity. can be rapid scan. no radioactive tracers. cheaper than PET scans
PET	Position emission tomography Dynamic imaging- colour images of brain based on glucose consumption in brain- has harmless radioactive tracer blood clots, tumors, epilepsy detected by comparing to healthy brain shows specific areas while activity like reading, speaking, thinking. not as detailed as fMRI

Resource summary

	Created by Alyssa Cronin about 4 years ago