Download Brain Scan Imaging

Brain Scan Imaging
MRI, CAT, PET Imaging
Interpreting Functions of the Brain through Imaging – Activity
Case Study – Professional Sports and Head Trauma
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems allow
medical professionals to “see” the inside of the
body with outstanding clarity.
• A magnetic resonance imaging system uses a
powerful magnet, radio signals and
sophisticated computer software technology.
Because certain atoms in our cells respond or
“resonate” lightly in the presence of magnetic
fields, the MRI is able to use that response to
create an amazingly clear, detailed picture of
internal organs, muscles, connective tissue, and
the central nervous systems.
MRI Image of a Brain Tumor –
Brain Aneurysm
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
• PET imaging or a PET scan,
is a type of nuclear
medicine imaging.
• PET is highly effective at
detecting cancer, brain
disorders, heart conditions
and other diseases.
PET Imaging
• Lung Cancer:
Normal Brain vs. OCD Brain
• Take a look at the at the
difference between the
brain of someone without
OCD (left image) and the
brain of someone with
OCD. The extensive red
and yellow areas in the
right image indicate a lot
of brain activity — too
much activity. The person
is thinking about
something “over and over
again.”
Alzheimer’s Brain –
Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT)
• A computerized axial tomography scan is an xray procedure that combines many x-ray
images with the aid of a computer to
generate cross-sectional views and, if
needed, three-dimensional images of the
internal organs and structures of the body.
A CT/CAT scan of the head after a
traumatic brain injury. Arrow shows a
damaged, empty space
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
• Massive brain trauma are commonly a result of:
– High intensity sports
– Car Accidents
– War
“As we have improved our ability to
image brains, and to diagnose
dysfunction to include cognition, we
have discovered deficits that may
obvious toconcussions,
family
havehave
hadbeen
multiple
members and physicians.”
• Autopsies of people who
“suggest there was a permanent injury and loss of brain
substance.”
• The brain shrinkage seen in autopsies of former football players
after multiple concussions is called chronic traumatic
encephalopathy. This disturbing shrinkage of the brain is linked
to severe, deadly brain abnormalities, including memory loss,
confusion, paranoia, depression, dementia and Parkinsonism.
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is marked by concentrations of tau protein,
shown here as brown spots. More tau = more damage.
• Left: a normal, 65-year-old brain.
• Right: The brain of former NFL linebacker John Grimsley, who died of a gunshot
at age 45 after nine concussions.
Brain Lab –
Professional Hockey and Concussions, CTM
http://www.cbc.ca/thenational/indepthanalysis/story/2011/02/22/
national - concussions.html
NHL and Concussions, CTE – Brain Lab
• Question: Debate the value of professional athletics
(entertainment, money, fame, skill...) to the potential brain
damage as a result of participating in the sport.
Kids and Concussions
• Question: Is it responsible parenting to allow a child to continue
playing hockey and risk further concussions? Is this considered
child abuse/neglect?
Females and Concussions
• Question: What research questions and hypothesis can we
develop from the information presented here?