Methods of Investigating the Brain

Reference taken from-

Eric Zillmer

Neuropsychology in action July 28th 2011 Thursday

Reasons for Brain Investigation

Inaccessibility of brain Brain visibility Brain could be studied only in post mortem not when the person is

alive.

This lead to research on brain physiology and functions to be speculative and inferential.

Techniques of Brain Mapping:

Neurohistology techniques: study of cells

First way of studying neural processes involves Stains: chemicals attach themselves to specific cell structures and thereby make visual examination possible. Golgi stain Italian Physician Camillo Golgi It stains few neurons randomly. Neurons inner structure cannot be viewed.

Nissl stain Franz Nissl German Histologist It outlines all cell bodies, but not axon .Crisyl Violet - Myelin staining - Horseradish peroxidase method (HRP)
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Radiological Procedures:

X ray: Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen-Physicist Generation of Rontgen rays, electromagnetic vibrations of short wavelength that can penetrate biological tissues. Air Encephalography (Pneumoencephalography) Computed Transaxial Tomography (CT Scan) An x ray source is revolved around the head at different intensities. Brain images from different angles and segmentation are procured. Images are fed into computer for calculations leading to 3 D image. Bone is white CSF is dark Enhanced CT Injecting iodinated contrast agent. Angiography WADA technique

Electrophysiological Procedures:
Electroencephalography (EEG) Electrodes are placed on skull at various points.

Evoked Potential

Brain Stem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER)

Electrical stimulation

Electromyography (EMG) electrical analysis of muscles.

Imaging of Brian Metabolism:

Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

It detects glucose, oxygen, blood flow by distributing a radioactive labeled substance anywhere in the brain.

Intravenous injection of radio active tracer- scanning brain for radioactivity.

When radio active tracer decays, it emits positron to collide with electron Disadvantage: COST of Cyclotron.

Magnetic Imaging Procedures:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Felix Bloch and Edward Purcell- Physics. It is based on the fact that hydrogen nucleus which is present in our system generates alteration in small magnetic field which can be measured. Brain is exposed to magnetic field leading to hydrogen protons to align in the direction of magnetic field. Protons are particles present in nuclei with positive charge Electron has negative charge Functional MRI (FMRI) Brain is exposed to high magnetic fields because molecules other than hydrogen are assessed. Blood has certain magnetic properties which cannot be detected using MRI only. FRMI is superimposed on MRI for a clearer picture. They are complimentary to each other.

Others:

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) Cerebrospinal Fluid Studies: Lumbar Puncture New advances in imaging techniques Image analysis and quantification (3-D)

THE END By Reena Kapadia