Diagnostic Procedures Used to Detect Brain Function
Cards
Measures brain electrical activity. Electrodes are placed on the scalp to measure amplitude and frequency of brain waves. Results are graphically recorded.
Electroencephalograpy (EEG)
Measures brain electrical activity. Used largely in research. EEG tracings are summarized. Regions of the brain are identified and functioning is interpreted by color coding or gray shading.
Computerized EEG Mapping
Measures accuracy of brain structure. X-rays are taken of various transverse planes of the brain. Computer analysis reconstructs image of each segment.
Computed tomographic (CT) Scan
Measures anatomical and biochemical status of various segments of brain. Eithin a strong magnetic field, enery is released, which is then computerized and transformed into an image.
Magnetic reosonance imaging (MRI)
Measures specific brain activity and functioning. A radioactive substance is injected. Detectors relay data to a computer that interprets the signals and produces the image. Different colors inficiate level of brain activity.
Positron emission tomography (PET)
Measures brain activity and functioing. The twchnique is similar to PET but uses longer acting radioactive substance and different detectors.
Single photon emission computed tomography. (SPECT)
