PET Scans (Positron Emission Tomography)
PET scanning involves producing computer-generated pictures of the brain. PET scans focus on brain function
A tracer is taken into the body that emits radioactivity (usually glucose)This radioactive tracer can be picked up by producing positrons which gives signals that are recorded. This shows up as brain activity which can then be interpreted.
The PET scan measures blood flow and oxygen use e.g. if during the scan someone is talking the areas of blood flow will identify areas of the brain used for this.
This is useful in identifying which parts of the brain do what by giving people different activities to do
MRI Scans (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
MRI uses magnetic and radio waves.
The person lies in a large cylinder magnet and radio waves are then sent through the body, affecting the body’s atoms.
During this type of scan the person must stay very still
The scanner picks up signals as the atoms move back into position and the computer turns the signals into pictures
This type of scan is used for looking at structure rather than function; however blood flow can be monitored through inserting a dye
PET scanning involves producing computer-generated pictures of the brain. PET scans focus on brain function
A tracer is taken into the body that emits radioactivity (usually glucose)This radioactive tracer can be picked up by producing positrons which gives signals that are recorded. This shows up as brain activity which can then be interpreted.
The PET scan measures blood flow and oxygen use e.g. if during the scan someone is talking the areas of blood flow will identify areas of the brain used for this.
This is useful in identifying which parts of the brain do what by giving people different activities to do
MRI Scans (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
MRI uses magnetic and radio waves.
The person lies in a large cylinder magnet and radio waves are then sent through the body, affecting the body’s atoms.
During this type of scan the person must stay very still
The scanner picks up signals as the atoms move back into position and the computer turns the signals into pictures
This type of scan is used for looking at structure rather than function; however blood flow can be monitored through inserting a dye