PSY 2301 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography, Ath, Claustrophobia

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSY 2301
• Professor: Andra Smith

Document Summary

Procedure in which a magnet coil is placed over the skull to stimulate the underlying brain. Mainly used to monitor patient"s prefrontal cortex blood flow. Used as treatment for patients with depression>stimulates blood flow in the prefrontal cortex. # of electrodes can be changed as required. Only looks at eh surface of the brain. Mathematical equations are used to determine where the signal(s) come from. Can detect the decay of hundreds of radio chemicals, allows the mapping of a wide range of brain changes and conditions. Can detect relative amounts of a given neurotransmitter, the density of receptors, and metabolic activities associated with learning, brain poisoning, and degenerative processes. Can see how labelled substances are distributed and absorbed ie da, sa. Can be used on other parts of the body ie. Different head bands can be used for investigate other areas of the brain. Measurement restricted to cortical activity (light does not penetrate the brain very far)