BRAIN SCANS

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BRAIN SCANS

• Brain scans are mechanical and electrical
  measurements of biochemical and electrical
  activity at specific brain sites. Some main
  scans are

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• EEG (electroencephalogram) ACTIVITY in the brain.
  Electrodes are placed at important locations on
  the scalp and measure conversation between
  brain cells (activity)

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• PET (positron emission tomography) also
• ACTIVITY in the brain. Measures functioning by
  tracking radioactive substances that have been
  injected in the body- (activity)

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• CAT (computerized axial tomography) measure
  STRUCTURE. X-rays pass through the brain at
  different angles detecting soft tissue
  (structure)

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• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) also
• measures STRUCTURE. Uses radio waves to see
  effects of magnetic impulses-
• (structure) Now there is an fMRI which measures
  activity as well.

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• SPECT scan ( single photon emission computed
  tomography) provides information about blood flow
  to the tissue in a 3-D format.