Advanced brain imaging techniques help neuroscientists to directly or indirectly see inside the brain. There are two types of imaging: Structural imaging and functional imaging. Brain imaging techniques serve as a window into the brain of a patient.
Types of Advanced Brain Imaging Techniques
The different advanced neuro-imaging techniques have varying degrees of specialty and invasiveness. They are:
CT or Computed Tomography
A CT scan builds a picture of the brain using a sequence of x-rays that are passed through a person’s skull. As they pass through, images are created based on the differential absorption of the beams by the tissues. Soft tissues do not absorb the x-rays as much as bones and hard tissues. So, a CT scan is used to reveal the brain structure of the brain, but does not determine the function. This is totally non-invasive.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan
An MRI scan uses radio waves in a magnetic field to produce detailed images. It helps to differentiate the grey matter, white matter and the cerebrospinal fluid. It is non-invasive, safe and painless. It does not use x-rays or radioactive material.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
An fMRI detects the changes associated with blood flow and oxygenation to specific parts of the brain for measuring the brain activity. It produces an activation map displaying those parts of the brain that are involved in a mental process.
PET or Positron Emission Tomography
PET scans use small amounts of radioactive material that is either inhaled or injected to create an image to map the functional processes that occur in the brain. When these radioactive materials decay, they emit a positron and a neutron. This collides with an electron and releases gamma rays that are picked up by a detector. This technique is used to study the functioning of the brain.
Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)
A SPECT scan is an imaging technique that shows how the blood flows to the various tissues, arteries and veins in the brain.
The advanced brain imaging techniques used by doctors to diagnose a traumatic brain injury are very expensive. Fortunately, the patient is normally entitled to compensation from a negligent party that caused the injury. If you or a loved one has experienced brain trauma through the negligence of another, it is important to be represented in court by attorneys who know how to protect your rights. You need experienced lawyers with specific knowledge of brain injury claims and the legal issues related to them and can help get you the compensation you or your loved one deserves.
