1. Neuroimaging Techniques

2. CT Computerised Tomography (CT): takes x-rays of the brain at different angles to produce a computer-enhanced image of a cross-section of the brain. It provides information about brain structures.

4. CT Advantages CT identifies the precise location and extent of damage to or abnormalities in various brain structures or areas. A CT scan can reveal the effects of strokes, tumors, injuries and other brain disorders

5. CT Limitations Shows only brain structure or anatomy – not function.

6. MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): uses a magnetic field and radio waves to vibrate brain neurons and produce a detailed, still, computer- enhanced 3D image of brain areas and structures. More detailed than CT. Shows brain structure.

8. MRI Advantages MRI diagnoses structural abnormalities of the brain. MRI detects and displays extremely small changes in the brain. More detail than CT.

9. MRI Limitations Cannot be used with people who have internal metallic devices such as heart pacemakers or steel pins in bones. Shows only brain structure, or anatomy—not function.

10. fMRI Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI): detects changes in oxygen levels in the blood flowing through the brain and combines this data into a detailed, computer-enhanced 3D representation of the active brain. Shows structure and function of the brain.

12. fMRI Advantages Records the levels of activity in different areas of the brain while the person is involved in a cognitive activity, such as thinking, imagining, remembering or talking. fMRI are more detailed than PET images.

13. fMRI Limitations Differences in levels of brain activity of different areas may not just be the direct result of the specific task being undertaken. fMRI’s are not commonly available in hospitals and can be expensive.

14. PET Positron Emission Tomography (PET): involves the injection of radioactive glucose into the bloodstream, tracking the blood flow to the brain and combining this data into a series of computer generated colour coded images of the level of activity in various brain areas while engaged in different tasks. Show brain function.

16. PET Advantages Records the levels of activity in different areas of the brain while the person is involved in a cognitive activity, such as thinking, imagining, remembering or talking. Designed to diagnose abnormalities in the brain Provides information on the brain functioning of specific groups

17. PET Limitations Requires injection of a radioactive substance. PET session must be kept short so that the person does not receive too much radiation. There is a 30 second delay between scans which may miss changes in brain activity and function.