click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Psychology yr 11
brain imaging techniques
Term | Definition |
---|---|
EEG | external. uses electrodes fastened to the scalp to amplify electrical activity of the brain, recorded through peaks and troughs on a graph. |
EEG strength | investigates activity of the whole brain, and studies different states of consciousness. can detect epilepsy and tumours. |
EEG weakness | does not produce images, and cannot detect information from deep in the brain. also cannot pinpoint which area of the brain is the source of the activity. |
CT scan | static imaging. a type of X-ray that scans the brain from different angles. info is fed to a computer, leading to cross-sectional pictures of "slices" through the brain. |
CT scan strength | aids in detecting tumours, strokes, and the degeneration of areas. used to look at possible abnormalities in brain structures associated with mental illness. |
CT scan weakness | only shows brain structure, and images are of inferior quality |
MRI | static imaging. uses a strong magnetic field, radio frequencies pulses and computers to produce 3D images. |
MRI strength | used in detection of tumours and abnormalities. does not require X-irritation and images are superior. |
MRI weakness | cannot be used if the patient's body contains something magnetic (e.g. pacemaker), and is very expensive. |
fMRI | dynamic imaging. produce colour images of brain activity, function and structure. measures activity in the brain where neurons consume oxygen. higher O -> more activity. colour variation indicates activity. |
fMRI strength | enables observation and measurement of changes in the brain during activity. made rapidly, have good spatial resolution, non-invasive and do no expose to radioactive tracers. |
fMRI weakness | cheaper than PETs, but still pricy. |