what are the advantages and disadvantages of brain studies?????

[JuSi]

hi im Jusi im a student in currently under going yr11

im interested in the MRI EEG CAT and PET scans, its for an assignment and a friend recommended this site to me

what id like to know is what are the advantages and disadvantages of each of those 4 studies? it would be heaps good if you could heaps me

THANX

JUSI**

[dianah, ASN]

I think a web search might give more info than me (truly!) but I'll give it a shot:

MRI is Magnetic Resonance Imaging, not X-rays. Any part of the body can be scanned, not just the brain. It is helpful for diagnosing pituitary tumors (often missed in CT), other tumors, multiple sclerosis . . . see http://tjsamson.client.web-health.com/web-health/topics/GeneralHealth/generalhealthsub/generalhealth/Surgery&Diagnosis-General%20Procedures/mri.html

EEG is Electroencephalogram. It follows and graphs brain wave activity, is usually done in awake and asleep states. see http://www.nervus.is/nervus/eeg/abouteeg.htm

CAT is Computerized Axial Tomography. It is taking X-rays with a sophisticated unit that images the body in slices, like bread. see http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/11618-1.asp

PET scans: see http://www.healthcare.ucla.edu/vital-signs/article-display?article_id=300 (I have no personal experience with PET scanners)

Hopefully now you have a little info to go on! Best, -- D