Methods of Studying the Brain, Essay Example

An electroencephalograph, or an EEG, is a test where multiple electrodes are placed across the scalp in order to record the spontaneous electrical activity of the brain.  The process takes roughly 20-40 minutes and records every instance where neurons are being fired within the brain.  This study can be used for cases of epilepsy and comas, and it can also be applied to diagnose tumors, strokes and other various disorders.

A computed tomography, or a CT scan, is a test where tomography can be created from computer processing techniques that create a digital 3D image of the brain.  The process uses an X-ray machine to help take the 3D image and process it to the computer for medical professionals to analyze.  The machine rotates around one single axis to combine a series of 2D imagines taken to formulate the single 3D copy.

Magnetic Resonance Imagine, or MRI, is similar to the CT tests where an image is produced to view a highly contrasted image of the different tissues of the body.  The images produced by MRIs are much higher in quality than CT scans, so they are typically very useful in looking at the brain to detect any problems.  The MRI machines do not use ionized radiation; instead they use a magnetic field to help align the hydrogen atoms of the water in our bodies.  A radio frequency is used to change the positioning of the magnetic field to get an image that appears to move.

I have never had an EEG test taken or heard of anyone that had one taken, most likely because there have been no causes for concern that my neurons are not firing correctly or as often as they need to.  I have also never had a CT scan taken.  I think that most of the cases where a CT scan would be used to study the brain the situation would better be suited by using an MRI machine for a clearer picture to see exactly what is wrong inside the brain tissues.  An MRI test was taken when I slipped on the ice and hit my head.  I had a minor concussion and the doctors wanted to make sure that there was not any serious damage to the brain.  MRIs have also been taken of members of my family where a tumor had grown inside the body and they needed to view the extent of the damage before deciding on proper treatment.  These three tests are very beneficial as a technique to properly study the brain.