Advantages And Disadvantages Of PET Scan

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A post mortem was previously used by neurologist in order for them examine the human brain and its many functions. However, technology increased accessibility to brain imaging techniques, as well as non-invasive ways to examine the brain in more detail (Morton, Sandhu, & Jones, 2016). MRI and PET Scans are the two modern methods of examining the human brain.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI is a modern day technique which uses detailed computer imagery to identify body structures. An MRI image produces a composite three-dimensional image; the resolution detects tiny changes of structures within the body, identifying strokes, tumours, as well as detecting bleeding and possible swelling of the brain (Galotti, 2008).

There are several advantages …show more content…

It allows the neurologist to detect diseases at its early stages (Galotti, 2008). PET scans measure the blood flow to different regions of the brain, resulting in an electronic reconstruction of a picture of the brain, outlining

which areas of the brain are most active at a particular time (Galotti, 2008; Posner & Raichle, 1994).

There are several advantages and disadvantages of a PET scan. The positive aspect of a PET scan enables early detection of certain neurological illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s disease, and epilepsy. In addition, it is used as an alternative to a biopsy to determine how far a disease has spread (Galotti, 2008; Posner & Raichle, 1994).

Several disadvantages of PET scans are they are expensive for persons who may be at a lower income bracket. Also, the active components used in PET imaging will not persist for long periods in a patient’s body, thus indicating that there is a limited amount of time a patient can undergo this procedure. It is said to be a severe treatment to receive, as PET scans are not offered in the majority of medical centers across the world (Galotti, 2008; Posner & Raichle, …show more content…

Throughout history, left-handed individuals have always been perceived as being less intelligent than right-handers, for example, they were still forced to use or write with

their right hand. The use of the left hand signifies the lateralized output from the opposite hemisphere.

Localization is defined as specific locations in the brain which corresponds to behavior, emotions, and thoughts (Linquist, Wager, Kober, Moreau & Barret, 2015). In the 19th century, Paul Broca tested the localization theory of functions in the brain. During his investigations of this theory, he gathered sufficient evidence, which included problems, and details of medical issues that patients faced. Boca concluded in this study that his patients understood language; however, they had distinct matters regarding their speech and suffered a great deal of damage to the left side of their brains within their earlier life. As a result, he believed there was a link between specialized hear trauma and the development of speech-based problems (Galotti,

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