Brain Imaging Techniques
Electroencephalogram (EEG):
Records electrical activity along the scalp using
electrodes and an amplifier.
Relatively cheap
Non-invasive
Excellent temporal resolution
Easy to use
Poor spatial resolution
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI):
Measures brain activity by changes in blood flow (specifically
oxygen/haemoglobin – the differences between oxygenated
and deoxygenated blood has very small magnetic differences),
when a brain area is in use, blood in that area increases.
Detailed spatial resolution (1-6mm)
Non-invasive
No risks of radiation
Has the capacity to demonstrate entire networks of brain
areas
Poor temporal resolution (delay of 2-5 seconds between
activation of neurons and the increase in oxygen rich blood)
Some tiny clusters of neurons may be too small to be detected (less than 3mm)
Patient has to stay very still
Very noisy (uncomfortable for patient)
Expensive
Need a magnetically isolated room
Is an indirect measure (BOLD (blood oxygen level dependent) signal) so is susceptible
to non-neuronal changes
Some individuals may get very stressed out in the machine
Magnetoencephalography (MEG):
Identifies brain activity through micro magnetic changes in the brain,
multiple neurons together in one area of the brain generates a measurable
magnetic field.
Non-invasive
A direct measure of brain function
High temporal resolution
Silent
No radiation
Expensive
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller sianvalentine13. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $9.80. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.