Brain scanning techniques

Uses electro-magnetic waves to measure blood oxygen levels in the brain

• CAT

• PET

• fMRI

Person is injected with a small amount of radioactive substance i.e. glucose

• CAT

• PET

• fMRI

Areas in the brain that are most active (using most oxygen+blood) will be picked up through radio signals

• CAT

• PET

• fMRI

Uses X-rays and computer to create detailed images

• CAT

• PET

• fMRI

Most active areas are coloured red or yellow and least active as blue

• CAT

• PET

• fMRI

Useful for revealing abnormal brain structures

• CAT

• PET

• fMRI

The technique is only effective if the person whose brain is being investigated stays perfectly still and this may be a problem for some people e.g. children

• CAT

• PET

• fMRI

The precise location of active areas in relation to brain structure is difficult to pinpoint.

• CAT

• PET

• fMRI