MRI/MRA uses magnetic fields and radio waves to detect hydrogen atoms in water and produce images of the brain to diagnose tumors, strokes, injuries, and infections. PET scanning detects radiation from radioactive substances injected into the body to show glucose metabolism, detect cancer, and map brain function. CT/CAT scanning uses x-rays passing through tissue at different angles to form slice images of structures to detect brain disease.

1. Different types of scans and imaging The Brain

2. MRI/MRA Uses magnetic field and radio waves The nuclei of atoms line up in the direction of the magnetic field Hydrogen atoms in water are monitored The hydrogen atoms become excited with more energy due to radio waves, once gone the energy is released and detected Used in diagnosis of tumours, strokes, brain injuries and infections of the brain and spine

3. fMRI Possible to study human activities Looks at functions using oxygen uptake Deoxygenhaemoglobin absorbs radio waves Part of brain activated needs more oxygen, less radio waves absorbed Can produce 4 images per second

4. PET scanning Positron Emission Tomography Detects the radiation emitted from radioactive substances injected into the body Gamma rays given off are detected by PET Gamma rays are converted to photons of light, and electrical signals The signals convert into slices of images Can show glucose metabolism in the brain, detect cancer, detect memory disorders and seizures, map brain function

5. CT/ CAT scanning Computerised Axial Tomography Use thousands of narrow-beam X-rays to pass through the tissue at different angles X-rays are detected forming slices of images of the tissues CT looks at structures rather than functions Used to detect brain disease Small structures cannot be distinguished

6. qEEG/ Brain Mapping Can be used in real time as you don’t need to keep still Sensors are attached to the scalp measuring activity from there The main use is research into brain function No risks (unlike CT scans for example) They are not as spatially accurate as fMRI