Brain
imaging refers to methods for taking pictures of the living
brain. These methods are non-invasive, meaning that there
is no need for surgery or other procedures that involve entering
the body.
Many forms of brain imaging involve use
of x-rays,
which pass through the body and form an image on a photographic
plate. Computed
tomography (CT or CAT) is one such method. Magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) is a related method which uses
magnetic and radiofrequency energy instead of x-rays. Both
CT and MRI can provide high-resolution pictures of the brain,
helpful in detecting abnormalities such as tumors
or aneurysms.
CT has higher spatial resolution than MRI, but MRI has better
contrast, and so each technique is useful under different
conditions.
by Catherine E. Myers. Copyright © 2006 Memory Loss and the Brain
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