Brain Scan ImagingMRI, CAT, PET Imaging

Interpreting Functions of the Brain through Imaging – ActivityCase Study – Professional Sports and Head Trauma

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems allow medical professionals to “see” the inside of the body with outstanding clarity.

• A magnetic resonance imaging system uses a powerful magnet, radio signals and sophisticated computer software technology. Because certain atoms in our cells respond or “resonate” lightly in the presence of magnetic fields, the MRI is able to use that response to create an amazingly clear, detailed picture of internal organs, muscles, connective tissue, and the central nervous systems.

MRI Image of a Brain Tumor –

Brain Aneurysm

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

• PET imaging or a PET scan, is a type of nuclear medicine imaging.

• PET is highly effective at detecting cancer, brain disorders, heart conditions and other diseases.

PET Imaging

• Lung Cancer:

Normal Brain vs. OCD Brain

• Take a look at the at the difference between the brain of someone without OCD (left image) and the brain of someone with OCD. The extensive red and yellow areas in the right image indicate a lot of brain activity — too much activity. The person is thinking about something “over and over again.”

Alzheimer’s Brain –

Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT)

• A computerized axial tomography scan is an x-ray procedure that combines many x-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional views and, if needed, three-dimensional images of the internal organs and structures of the body.

A CT/CAT scan of the head after a traumatic brain injury. Arrow shows a

damaged, empty space

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)• Massive brain trauma are commonly a result of:

– High intensity sports– Car Accidents– War

• Autopsies of people who have had multiple concussions, “suggest there was a permanent injury and loss of brain substance.”

• The brain shrinkage seen in autopsies of former football players after multiple concussions is called chronic traumatic encephalopathy. This disturbing shrinkage of the brain is linked to severe, deadly brain abnormalities, including memory loss, confusion, paranoia, depression, dementia and Parkinsonism.

“As we have improved our ability to image brains, and to diagnose dysfunction to include cognition, we have discovered deficits that may have been obvious to family members and physicians.”

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is marked by concentrations of tau protein, shown here as brown spots. More tau = more damage. • Left: a normal, 65-year-old brain. • Right: The brain of former NFL linebacker John Grimsley, who died of a gunshot at age 45 after nine concussions.

Brain Lab – Professional Hockey and Concussions, CTM

http://www.cbc.ca/thenational/indepthanalysis/story/2011/02/22/national - concussions.htmlNHL and Concussions, CTE – Brain Lab• Question: Debate the value of professional athletics

(entertainment, money, fame, skill...) to the potential brain damage as a result of participating in the sport.

Kids and Concussions• Question: Is it responsible parenting to allow a child to continue

playing hockey and risk further concussions? Is this considered child abuse/neglect?

Females and Concussions• Question: What research questions and hypothesis can we

develop from the information presented here?