Looking Inside The Brain

Modern imaging techniques can reveal brain activity as well as structure. They allow doctors and scientists to observe the complex functioning of different regions of the brain, and to diagnose where damage has occurred. Some methods use X-rays, some measure brain activity, while others record brainwaves.

CTdefine Scan (computed tomographydefine):

CT produces detailed cross sectional images of the brain. The CT scanner sends out an X-ray beam as it rotates around the body, and uses its internal computer to create high quality image. CT scans can reveal tumors and other abnormalities.

EEG (electroencephalography):

EEG measures the brainwaves – the electrical activity created when large numbers of neurons fire. Each brainwave represents activity in a different part of the brain. EEG is used to study changes in brain activity.

PETdefine (positron emission tomography):

PET scans evaluate the amount of metabolic activity in brain tissue. The patient is injected with a radioactive substance that is absorbed into active cells. The radioactivity detected produces an image of active brain area.

MEG (magneto encephalography):

MEG, like EEG, measures brainwaves, but it does so by picking up the tiny magnetic pulses produced along the brain’s electrical activity. It is a faster scanning technique than PET or MRIdefine.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging):

MRI scans uses magnets and radiowaves to create brain images. The technique is radiationdefine free and one of the safest imaging methods available. It is used for imaging the spinal cord as well as the brain.

fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging):

fMRI measures the amount of oxygen in different areas, which indicates the level of activity. Several pictures are taken every second, so that over time a ‘film’ of the brain’s activity is created.