brain imaging what technology can help us learn about brain and its implications for children
TRANSCRIPT
Brain ImagingBrain Imaging
What technology can help us What technology can help us learn about brain and its learn about brain and its implications for childrenimplications for children
OverviewOverview
Define and discuss MRI, fMRI, Define and discuss MRI, fMRI, PET, MEG & EEGPET, MEG & EEG
Conclude with research Conclude with research implicationsimplications
MRI: Description MRI: Description
Magnetic Resonance Imagining (MRI)Magnetic Resonance Imagining (MRI)
– uses a large magnet and radio waves to look at uses a large magnet and radio waves to look at organs and structures inside your organs and structures inside your
body body
– during the scan you lie on a table that slides inside a during the scan you lie on a table that slides inside a tunnel- shaped machinetunnel- shaped machine
MRI: UsesMRI: Uses
Physicians use MRI's to examine the: Physicians use MRI's to examine the: – BrainBrain– SpineSpine– Joints (eg. knee, wrist, shoulder,and ankle)Joints (eg. knee, wrist, shoulder,and ankle)– AbdomenAbdomen– Pelvic regionPelvic region– BreastBreast– Blood vesselsBlood vessels– HeartHeart– Other body partsOther body parts
What the MRI looks What the MRI looks like.like.
MRI: Strengths of the MRI: Strengths of the TechnologyTechnology
do not use ionizing radiationdo not use ionizing radiation the scan is painlessthe scan is painless ability to image in any plane. CT is limited to one ability to image in any plane. CT is limited to one
plane, the axial plane (in the loaf-of-bread analogy, plane, the axial plane (in the loaf-of-bread analogy, the axial plane would be how a loaf of bread is the axial plane would be how a loaf of bread is normally sliced).normally sliced).– An MRI system can create axial images as well as images in the An MRI system can create axial images as well as images in the
sagitall plane (slicing the bread side-to-side lengthwise) and sagitall plane (slicing the bread side-to-side lengthwise) and coronally (think of the layers of a layer cake) or any degree in coronally (think of the layers of a layer cake) or any degree in between, without the patient ever movingbetween, without the patient ever moving
MRI: Weaknesses of MRI: Weaknesses of the Technologythe Technology
it can take a long time depending upon it can take a long time depending upon the scanthe scan
if you have a pacemaker or are too large if you have a pacemaker or are too large to fit in the machine you cannot use this to fit in the machine you cannot use this technologytechnology
you must be still for the scanyou must be still for the scan it is loud like loud continuing hammeringit is loud like loud continuing hammering it is an expensive machine and the costs it is an expensive machine and the costs
are high to have a scanare high to have a scan
MRI- Research and MRI- Research and ImplicationsImplications
Can be used to Can be used to identify types identify types of seizures in of seizures in infantsinfants
(9 months old)(9 months old)
MRI- Research and ImplicationsMRI- Research and Implications
•Currently being used to Currently being used to determine the level of determine the level of stability of convulsions stability of convulsions related to specific related to specific anomalies in brain anomalies in brain structures for Early structures for Early Childhood to Middle Childhood to Middle Childhood aged ChildrenChildhood aged Children
•Used to track the Used to track the development of literacy development of literacy skills and abilitiesskills and abilities
References for MRIReferences for MRI
Squire LF, Novelline RA (1997). Squire LF, Novelline RA (1997). Squire's fundamentals of Squire's fundamentals of radiology.radiology. Retrieved February 12, 2010 from Wikipedia’s Retrieved February 12, 2010 from Wikipedia’s official website: official website: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_resonance_imaging
Radiology Info. The Radiology Information for Patients. Radiology Info. The Radiology Information for Patients. Retrieved February 12, 2010 from Raidolgoy Info’s official Retrieved February 12, 2010 from Raidolgoy Info’s official website: www.website: www.radiologyinfo.orgradiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=bodymr/en/info.cfm?pg=bodymr
Gould, T. How MRI works. Retrieved on February 15, 2010 Gould, T. How MRI works. Retrieved on February 15, 2010 from from http://healthguide.howstuffworks.com/mri9.htmhttp://healthguide.howstuffworks.com/mri9.htm
fMRI: DescriptionfMRI: Description
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
utilizes MRI technology to enable researchers to measure utilizes MRI technology to enable researchers to measure blood flow to particular areas of the brain as it relates to blood flow to particular areas of the brain as it relates to specific neural activity. For instance, when a patient is specific neural activity. For instance, when a patient is asked to tap her finger, the fMRI scan will map the change in asked to tap her finger, the fMRI scan will map the change in blood flow as specific areas of the brain are activated.blood flow as specific areas of the brain are activated.
during this procedure, a patient lies on a medical table, is during this procedure, a patient lies on a medical table, is most likely restrained with soft restraints to prevent most likely restrained with soft restraints to prevent movement, and then slid head first into the magnetic MRI movement, and then slid head first into the magnetic MRI machine. A powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses machine. A powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer are used to map the changes in cerebral and a computer are used to map the changes in cerebral blood flow.blood flow.
fMRI: UsesfMRI: Uses
Physicians and researchers use fMRI to:Physicians and researchers use fMRI to: · · fMRI allows researchers the ability to understand how the brain is activating fMRI allows researchers the ability to understand how the brain is activating
(functioning) during specific tasks. Therefore, the use of this (functioning) during specific tasks. Therefore, the use of this technology is technology is helpful in determining the effects of learning, helpful in determining the effects of learning, therapies, and various stimuli on therapies, and various stimuli on brain functioning. The fMRI offers the brain functioning. The fMRI offers the potential to determine the effects of potential to determine the effects of environmental factors on the process of environmental factors on the process of learning.learning.
· It is speculated that fMRI research could lead to further understanding of · It is speculated that fMRI research could lead to further understanding of cognitive cognitive phenomena such as attention and dreaming. This technology may phenomena such as attention and dreaming. This technology may even lead to even lead to the ability of researchers to explore our individual mental the ability of researchers to explore our individual mental processes- to “look” at processes- to “look” at what we are thinking and feeling.what we are thinking and feeling.
· It is thought that fMRI may be useful in “mind reading” such as lie detection. · It is thought that fMRI may be useful in “mind reading” such as lie detection. However, lie detection is not deemed a reliable function of fMRI yet.However, lie detection is not deemed a reliable function of fMRI yet.
· In the future, there must be a focus on electrical activity of individual neurons · In the future, there must be a focus on electrical activity of individual neurons in in order to have a complete picture of brain activity. I think that when order to have a complete picture of brain activity. I think that when this this happens, the answers to why people exhibit certain happens, the answers to why people exhibit certain behaviors to particular stimuli behaviors to particular stimuli may be answered. Perhaps then we can learn how may be answered. Perhaps then we can learn how to alter brain activation to alter brain activation patterns that result in dysfunctional behavior.patterns that result in dysfunctional behavior.
What the fMRI looks What the fMRI looks like.like.
fMRI: Strengths of the fMRI: Strengths of the TechnologyTechnology
low invasiveness- does not use radiationlow invasiveness- does not use radiation relatively wide availabilityrelatively wide availability if done correctly, fMRI has virtually no physical risks.if done correctly, fMRI has virtually no physical risks. assesses brain function rather than merely the brain assesses brain function rather than merely the brain
structurestructure fMRI can produce images of the brain every secondfMRI can produce images of the brain every second fMRI has very high resolution (detailed to 1 fMRI has very high resolution (detailed to 1
millimeter) as compared to other imaging millimeter) as compared to other imaging technologiestechnologies
fMRI: Weaknesses of fMRI: Weaknesses of the Technologythe Technology
the fMRI procedure is time intensivethe fMRI procedure is time intensive
the fMRI procedure is expensive (If paying out of pocket, scans cost the fMRI procedure is expensive (If paying out of pocket, scans cost $1,000 - $3,000.)$1,000 - $3,000.)
clear scan is only produced if the patient remains completely still. clear scan is only produced if the patient remains completely still. Therefore, soft restraints are often used to prevent movementTherefore, soft restraints are often used to prevent movement
fMRI only indicates blood flow to areas of the brain. The imaging has a fMRI only indicates blood flow to areas of the brain. The imaging has a spacial resolution of approximately 1 millimeter. This area contains spacial resolution of approximately 1 millimeter. This area contains hundreds of neurons each responding to pieces of different stimuli. The hundreds of neurons each responding to pieces of different stimuli. The scan does not indicate the activity of specific neurons within areas of the scan does not indicate the activity of specific neurons within areas of the brain. Therefore, results of scans can be difficult to interpret. For this brain. Therefore, results of scans can be difficult to interpret. For this reason, the use of fMRI is often combined with that of EEG for more reason, the use of fMRI is often combined with that of EEG for more accurate interpretation of brain activity.accurate interpretation of brain activity.
fMRI – Research fMRI – Research ImplicationsImplications
fMRI allows researchers fMRI allows researchers the ability to understand the ability to understand how the brain is activating how the brain is activating (functioning) during (functioning) during specific tasks. specific tasks.
use of this technology is use of this technology is helpful in determining the helpful in determining the effects of learning, effects of learning, therapies, and various therapies, and various stimuli on brain functioning stimuli on brain functioning
fMRI offers the potential to fMRI offers the potential to determine the effects of determine the effects of environmental factors on environmental factors on the process of learningthe process of learning
fMRI – Research fMRI – Research ImplicationsImplications
there is speculation that there is speculation that research could lead to research could lead to further understanding of further understanding of cognitive phenomena's cognitive phenomena's such as attention and such as attention and dreamingdreaming
fMRI’s may even lead to fMRI’s may even lead to the ability of researches the ability of researches to “look” at what we are to “look” at what we are thinking and feeling. thinking and feeling.
fMRI – Research fMRI – Research ImplicationsImplications
It is thought that fMRI It is thought that fMRI may be useful in “mind may be useful in “mind reading” such as lie reading” such as lie detection. detection.
However, lie detection is However, lie detection is not deemed a reliable not deemed a reliable function of fMRI yet.function of fMRI yet.
In the future, there must be a In the future, there must be a focus on electrical activity of focus on electrical activity of individual neurons in order to individual neurons in order to have a complete picture of have a complete picture of brain activity. brain activity.
I think that when this I think that when this happens, the answers to why happens, the answers to why people exhibit certain people exhibit certain behaviors to particular stimuli behaviors to particular stimuli may be answered. may be answered.
Perhaps then we can learn Perhaps then we can learn
how to alter brain activation how to alter brain activation patterns that result in patterns that result in dysfunctional behaviordysfunctional behavior
References for fMRIReferences for fMRI
The Emerging Role of Neuroimaging in Psychiatry: Characterizing The Emerging Role of Neuroimaging in Psychiatry: Characterizing Treatment-Relevant Endophenotypes. American Journal of Psychiatry, Treatment-Relevant Endophenotypes. American Journal of Psychiatry, May 1, 2007; 164(5): 697-699May 1, 2007; 164(5): 697-699
Radiological Society of North America, Inc. (2009, June 20). Radiology Radiological Society of North America, Inc. (2009, June 20). Radiology info: the radiology information resource for patients. Retrieved February info: the radiology information resource for patients. Retrieved February 12, 2010 from http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?12, 2010 from http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=fmribrain#part_twopg=fmribrain#part_two
Singer, E. (2008, March 5). Mind reading with functional MRI. Retrieved Singer, E. (2008, March 5). Mind reading with functional MRI. Retrieved February 12, 2010, from Technology Review website: February 12, 2010, from Technology Review website: http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/20380/page2/http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/20380/page2/
Watson, S. How fMRI works. Retrieved February 12, 2009 from Watson, S. How fMRI works. Retrieved February 12, 2009 from http://health.howstuffworks.com/fmri.htmhttp://health.howstuffworks.com/fmri.htm
Wordiq.com. (2009). Brain scan – definition. Retrieved February 12, Wordiq.com. (2009). Brain scan – definition. Retrieved February 12, 2010 from http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Brain_scan#fmri2010 from http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Brain_scan#fmri
Wordiq.com. (2009). Functoinal neuroimaging – definition. Retrieved Wordiq.com. (2009). Functoinal neuroimaging – definition. Retrieved February 12, 2010 from February 12, 2010 from http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Functional_neuroimaginghttp://www.wordiq.com/definition/Functional_neuroimaging
PET: Description PET: Description
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
Creates a three dimensional image of the body Creates a three dimensional image of the body including organs like the brainincluding organs like the brain
Detects body functions by using a tracer agent. Detects body functions by using a tracer agent. The agent usually has a very short half lifeThe agent usually has a very short half life
PET: UsesPET: Uses
A PET scan allows physicians to measure the body's A PET scan allows physicians to measure the body's abnormal molecular cell activity to detect:abnormal molecular cell activity to detect:
Brain tumorsBrain tumors Brain disordersBrain disorders Alzheimer'sAlzheimer's EpilepsyEpilepsy Parkinson’sParkinson’s Heart Disease Heart Disease Stroke EvaluationStroke Evaluation CancerCancer
What PET looks like.What PET looks like.
PET: Strengths of PET: Strengths of TechnologyTechnology
Creates a colorful picture of the Creates a colorful picture of the brain activitybrain activity
Low Risk an minimal side effectsLow Risk an minimal side effects
The radioactive materials used is The radioactive materials used is low grade and degrades quicklylow grade and degrades quickly
PET: Weaknesses of PET: Weaknesses of TechnologyTechnology
Uses radioactive materialUses radioactive material
Is expensive ($3,000-6,000)Is expensive ($3,000-6,000)
Time Intensive Time Intensive
PET – Research ImplicationsPET – Research Implications
Is being used for Is being used for children with children with dyslexia to see dyslexia to see what areas of the what areas of the brain are used in brain are used in typically typically developing developing children and children and atypical children atypical children
PET- Research and PET- Research and ImplicationsImplications
Has been used to Has been used to identify the identify the difference in difference in male and female male and female brains brains – It has been said that two It has been said that two
people of the same gender people of the same gender sitting next to each other sitting next to each other have more brain-based have more brain-based differences than a man differences than a man and a women sitting next and a women sitting next to each other.to each other.
PET- Research and PET- Research and ImplicationsImplications
It has been used It has been used to study the to study the impact of impact of methamphetamimethamphetamine use.ne use.
References for PETReferences for PET
Radiology. Brain pet scan. Retrieved on February 15, 2010 from Radiology. Brain pet scan. Retrieved on February 15, 2010 from
http://www.radiology-info.org/nuclear-medicine-positron-emission-http://www.radiology-info.org/nuclear-medicine-positron-emission-tomography/brain-pet-scan.htmltomography/brain-pet-scan.html
Petnet solutions: frequently asked questions. Retrieved on February 15, 2010 Petnet solutions: frequently asked questions. Retrieved on February 15, 2010 from from http://www.petscaninfo.com/zportal/portals/pat/faq/faq_1309http://www.petscaninfo.com/zportal/portals/pat/faq/faq_1309
MEG: DescriptionMEG: Description
Magnetoencephalography (MEG)Magnetoencephalography (MEG) Provides a new non-invasive method to study epilepsy and brain Provides a new non-invasive method to study epilepsy and brain
function.function. MEG measures small electrical currents arising inside the neurons of MEG measures small electrical currents arising inside the neurons of
the brain.the brain. These currents produce small magnetic fields.These currents produce small magnetic fields. MEG generates a remarkably accurate representation of the MEG generates a remarkably accurate representation of the
magnetic fields produced by the neurons.magnetic fields produced by the neurons. EEG electrodes will be glued all around your head and one will be EEG electrodes will be glued all around your head and one will be
placed over your heart.placed over your heart. Three small coils will be taped to your forehead.Three small coils will be taped to your forehead. You will wear two other coils attached to ear plugs.You will wear two other coils attached to ear plugs. You will lie down on MEG bed where a small metal coil will touch all You will lie down on MEG bed where a small metal coil will touch all
the different dots around your head to record its shape. (This info. the different dots around your head to record its shape. (This info. will go into computer)will go into computer)
The sensors will cover your head but will not cover your face.The sensors will cover your head but will not cover your face.
MEG: UsesMEG: Uses
MEG is currently being investigated for use in the diagnosis, MEG is currently being investigated for use in the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of:assessment and treatment of:
EpilepsyEpilepsy brain tumorsbrain tumors EmotionsEmotions pain perceptionpain perception angel man syndromeangel man syndrome Alzheimer's diseaseAlzheimer's disease AutismAutism dyslexiadyslexia attention deficit hyperactivity disorderattention deficit hyperactivity disorder headaches headaches
(migraines)(migraines) Parkinson's diseaseParkinson's disease strokestroke multiple sclerosismultiple sclerosis traumatic brain traumatic brain
injuryinjury SchizophreniaSchizophrenia depressiondepression DementiaDementia cochlear implantscochlear implants anesthesiaanesthesia moremore
What MEG looks like.What MEG looks like.
MEG: Strengths of the MEG: Strengths of the TechnologyTechnology
can improve the detection of potential sources of seizures, it can improve the detection of potential sources of seizures, it reveals the exact location of the abnormalities which then allow reveals the exact location of the abnormalities which then allow the physicians to find the cause of seizures.the physicians to find the cause of seizures.
can help when MRI scans show a lesion but the EEG findings are can help when MRI scans show a lesion but the EEG findings are not consistent with the MRI information.not consistent with the MRI information.
may be able to map exact location of the normally functioning may be able to map exact location of the normally functioning areas near the lesion, so surgery can be planned safely.areas near the lesion, so surgery can be planned safely.
may be able to provide necessary information without invasive may be able to provide necessary information without invasive EEG studies in patients who have had past brain surgery.EEG studies in patients who have had past brain surgery.
NO known risks.NO known risks. scanner tracks changes in the brain instantaneously.scanner tracks changes in the brain instantaneously. identifies functional and dysfunctional areas.identifies functional and dysfunctional areas. lets you see specific information on a targeted arealets you see specific information on a targeted area
MEG: Weaknesses of MEG: Weaknesses of the Technologythe Technology
scan lasts 1-1 1/2 hrs.scan lasts 1-1 1/2 hrs.
patients may experience muscle aches from lying or patients may experience muscle aches from lying or sitting too long in one position. (You have to remain sitting too long in one position. (You have to remain very still, not moving your head)very still, not moving your head)
patients may become nervous with helmet like patients may become nervous with helmet like scanner on your head.scanner on your head.
sounds may be loudsounds may be loud
is very expensive, may cost many millions of dollars.is very expensive, may cost many millions of dollars.
weighs about 8 tons, so there are only a few world weighs about 8 tons, so there are only a few world wide.wide.
MEG – Research MEG – Research ImplicationsImplications
MEG could help MEG could help to better to better understand understand students facing students facing issues with issues with epilepsyepilepsy
MEG- Research and MEG- Research and ImplicationsImplications
Used with 90% Used with 90% accuracy to accuracy to identify Post identify Post Traumatic Stress Traumatic Stress Disorder when Disorder when compared to compared to healthy subjects.healthy subjects.
MEG-Research and MEG-Research and ImplicationsImplications
Is currently being Is currently being used to better used to better understand understand hearing in utero hearing in utero and understand and understand language language processing.processing.
References for MEGReferences for MEG
EEG: DescriptionEEG: Description
Electroencephalogram (EEG)Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Is the recording of electrical activity along the Is the recording of electrical activity along the scalp produced by the firing of neurons within scalp produced by the firing of neurons within the brainthe brain
16-25 electrods are placed on the scalp in 16-25 electrods are placed on the scalp in different positionsdifferent positions
EEG: UsesEEG: Uses
Common uses include:Common uses include:– diagnosis of seizuresdiagnosis of seizures– to find causes of confusionto find causes of confusion– evaluates head injuriesevaluates head injuries– evaluates sleep problemsevaluates sleep problems– investigates periods of unconsciousnessinvestigates periods of unconsciousness– helps decide if someone is brain dead or nothelps decide if someone is brain dead or not– evaluated diseases and other abnormal changes in evaluated diseases and other abnormal changes in
the body chemistrythe body chemistry
What an EEG looks What an EEG looks like.like.
EEG: Strengths of the EEG: Strengths of the TechnologyTechnology
Very little riskVery little risk
EEG and Xray provided the EEG and Xray provided the conceptual base for the other conceptual base for the other imaging technologiesimaging technologies
EEG: Weaknesses of EEG: Weaknesses of the Technologythe Technology
Need to be still, movement can alter Need to be still, movement can alter resultsresults
May have to breath deep and hard for May have to breath deep and hard for a few seconds or longera few seconds or longer
Flashing lights may de disturbing to Flashing lights may de disturbing to people (or cause seizures in some)people (or cause seizures in some)
References for EEGReferences for EEG
E. Niedermeyer, Lopes da Silva, F. (1999) Electroencephalography. E. Niedermeyer, Lopes da Silva, F. (1999) Electroencephalography. Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, MD. Retrieved Feburary 12, 2010 Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, MD. Retrieved Feburary 12, 2010 from Wikipedia’s website: from Wikipedia’s website: en.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electroencephalography/wiki/Electroencephalography
Foldvary-Schaefer N, Wyllie E. Epilepsy. (2007) Foldvary-Schaefer N, Wyllie E. Epilepsy. (2007) Textbook of Clinical Textbook of Clinical Neurology.Neurology. Retrieved February 12, 2010 from Medline Plus’. Retrieved February 12, 2010 from Medline Plus’. www.www.nlm.nih.govnlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003931.htm/medlineplus/ency/article/003931.htm
Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. (2004). Laboratory Tests and Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. (2004). Laboratory Tests and
Diagnostic Procedures, Retrieved February 12, 2010 from Diagnostic Procedures, Retrieved February 12, 2010 from Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Incorporated. www.www.webmd.comwebmd.com/epilepsy/electroencephalogram/epilepsy/electroencephalogram
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Search on the following terms:Search on the following terms:
– Brain-based educationBrain-based education– Jensen Learning Corporation - HawaiiJensen Learning Corporation - Hawaii– Kurt Fischer – Harvard UniversityKurt Fischer – Harvard University