Structural Neuroimaging
What are the three methods of structural neuroimaging?
MRI, CT scan, cerebral angiography
Name three pros of structural neuroimaging.
less expensive, more widely available, provide a detailed still image
What are the three methods of functional neuroimaging?
fMRI, PET, EEG, MEG
Name three pros of functional neuroimaging.
Dynamic assessment of the brain as it reacts to stimuli in real time, decent spatial resolution,
Why might an MRI or fMRI not be appropriate for all clients?
enclosed space, use of magnet
What is the purpose of structural neuroimaging?
To provide an understanding of the anatomical/structural state of the brain (a still image)
Name three cons of structural neuroimaging.
Tend to be invasive, many involve radioactive exposure, don't provide dynamic feedback (still image)
What is the purpose of functional neuroimaging?
Functional neuroimaging seeks to understand the location or timing of task-dependent neural activity in the brain.
Name three cons of functional neuroimaging.
More expensive, less widely available, many have reduced temporal resolution
What is a CT scan and what is its purpose?
Computerized tomography scanning; its purpose is to provide an upgraded x-ray image; it can differentiate between an ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke
With the assistance of MRI, we are able to see areas of ________ _________, and this has been associated with experience in a certain area
cortical thickness
Like PET, fMRI studies in aphasia focus on:
cortical reorganization after injury
What is an MRI and what is its purpose?
Magnetic resonance imaging; it measures the spinning properties of hydrogen molecules in the brain; an MRI can differentiate between brain tissue densities based on their water content and allows for a good view of the ischemic penumbra
What is DTI, or diffusion tensor imaging?
Water moves more freely along axon than across an axon, and DTI is a mapping of white matter tracts by looking at the directional flow of water
What is a cerebral angiography and what is its purpose?
Able to view vascular abnormalities in cerebral blood vessels; radiographic dye is injected into femoral artery (travels to carotid); x-rays taken. It can detect hemorrhages and aneurysms
It is traditionally believed that damage to the _______ __________ leads to conduction aphasia (discovered through the use of DTI)
arcuate fasciculus