CT scans
- Brain scanning is used to study brain structure (i.e. what the brain is, its composition) and function (i.e. what the brain does, its activity)
- The three techniques for brain scans are:
- CT scans (Computerised Axial Tomography)
- PET (Positron Emission Tomography)
- fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- CT scans do the following:
- CT scans use an X-ray beam to produce a picture of the brain
- The X-ray beam moves in a circle around the brain which allows many different cross-sectional views of the brain to be seen in great detail
- The X-ray data is sent to a computer that interprets it and displays it in 2D form
- CT scans can help to diagnose tumours, investigate internal bleeding such as when a stroke has occurred or look for other injuries or damage
- Having a CT scan involves lying on a bed which is inserted in a long, doughnut-shaped scanner (see below):
This type of machine is used for CT, PET and fMRI scanning.
Evaluation of CT scans
Strengths
- CT scans produce much more detailed images than traditional X-rays which means that they are hugely useful for detecting brain abnormalities
- A CT scan can focus on a small area of the body (e.g. the brain), providing only relevant information to the researcher
Weaknesses
- CT scans do not show brain function which means that their use is limited to research involving structural change or features only
- CT scans use radiation which means that they cannot be used with the same person too many times