Neuro Testing

Front 1

CT Scan

Computed Tomography

Efficiency = 1

Back 1

~X-Ray based (movable)

~Gathers visual 'slices' of the brain (tomas)

~Produces 3D images

Front 2

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Efficiency = 2

Back 2

~Uses magnetic radiology to image the atoms of the internal structures of the body

~Provides good contrast between soft tissues of the body

Front 3

MRA

Magnetic Resonance Angiography

Efficiency = 3

Back 3

~To represent, describe, or 'paint'

~Atoms behave like tiny compasses when exposed to a magnetic field and a pulsed radio wave is turned on, then off, which knocks the adoms out of alignment.

~When they realign, the atoms emit detectable radio signals that are transformed into High Resolution (fine details of white for blood flow) images.

~Used for HA, Brain Hemorrhage, etc.

Front 4

f MRI

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Efficiency = 4

Back 4

~Measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow using the blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) contrast

~Uses the change in magnetization between oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood as its basic measure

~The result is presented graphically by color-coding the strength of activation

Front 5

PET

Positron Emission Tomography

Efficiency = 6

Back 5

~Measures decay pattern with generates gamma waves and lights up according to O2/glucose levels

~Detects emissions from two gamma photons to be emitted in opposite directions

~Radioactive substance is injected into blood stream

~3D Image

~Used with CT Scan X-Rays

~Used primarily to detect the spread of cancer

Front 6

SPECT

Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography

Efficiency = 5

Back 6

~Uses gamma rays to provide true 3D information that is typically presented as cross-sectional slices

~Emits gamma radiation that is measured directly

~Uses injection of a gamma-emitting radioisotope (called radionuclide) into the bloodstream

Front 7

MEG

Magneto/encephalo/graphy


Efficiency = 7

Back 7

~A technique for mapping brain activity by recording magnetic fields produced by electrical currents occurring naturally in the brain, using very sensitive magnetic field meters

~Can be used to test cognitive functioning, determining various functions of the brain, and localization of affected areas before brain surgery

~Assesses both spatial and functioning of the brain