Brain Scan Imaging and Trauma
MRI, CAT, PET Imaging
Interpreting Functions of the Brain through
Imaging – Activity
Case 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.
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
(Print beneath image) – Brain scans done
with Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
show how Alzheimer's affects brain activity.
The left image shows a normal brain, while
the right is from a person with Alzheimer's.
The blue and black areas in the right image
indicate reduced brain activity resulting from
eh disease.
Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT)
• A computerized axial tomography scan is
an x-ray procedure that combines many xray 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.
Concussions
Most often caused by blows to the head,
these traumatic brain injuries usually result
in temporary disorientation or short-term
memory loss, but more serious concussions
can do permanent damage.
1. Initial impact, or coup, causes a
counterpoint when brain strikes inside of the
skull
2. Shaking disrupts the brain's normal
chemical balance
3. Brain swells; in severe cases, it puts
pressure on the brain stem, which controls
breathing and other basic life functions
Levels of Severity
Grade 1 – Confusion lasting less than 15
minutes
Grade 2 – Confusion and amnesia lasting
more than 15 minutes
Grade 3 – Brief unconsciousness, more
serious amnesia
Guidelines for Athletes
Grade 1 – May return to sport after 15
minutes if symptoms are gone
Grade 2 – May return to sport after one
symptom-free week
Grade 3 – May return to sport after two
symptom free weeks
Brain Lab –
Professional Hockey and Concussions, CTM
http://www.cbc.ca/thenational/indepthanal
ysis/story/2011/02/22/national concussions.html
NHL 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?