Disadvantages, limitations or concerns
Because the doses of radiotracer administered are small, diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures result in relatively low radiation exposure to the patient, acceptable for diagnostic exams. Thus, the radiation risk is very low compared with the potential benefits.
Nuclear medicine diagnostic procedures have been used for more than five decades, and there are no known long-term adverse effects from such low-dose exposure.
The risks of the treatment are always weighed against the potential benefits for nuclear medicine therapeutic procedures. You will be informed of all significant risks prior to the treatment and have an opportunity to ask questions.
Allergic reactions to radiopharmaceuticals may occur but are extremely rare and are usually mild. Nevertheless, you should inform the nuclear medicine personnel of any allergies you may have or other problems that may have occurred during a previous nuclear medicine exam.
Injection of the radiotracer may cause slight pain and redness, which should rapidly resolve.
Women should always inform their physician or radiology technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant or if they are breastfeeding.
Research studies that illustrate the use of this technology
Gur et al. (1995) found more active metabolism in primitive brain centers controlling violence in men than in women.
New York University School of Medicine
-Using PET and brain-scan-based computer program researchers showed that in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, there is a reduction in brain metabolism in the hippocampus.
FMRI (Fictional Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
What is it and how does it work?
-It provides 3D images of brain structure using magnetic fields and radio waves.
-Indicates changes in blood flow in active part of the brain
-Blood flow associated with the use of oxygen (neural activity during information processes)
-Participants perform a task while inside the fMRI and scientist observe how blood flows changes
Strengths and advantages
-No use of no radioactive substances
-It can record activity in all areas of brain
-More flexible ~ shows dynamic
-More precise than PET scan
Disadvantages, limitations or concerns
-More focuses on localization of function, thus it does not account nature part of brain processes
-Exaggerated colors
-Correlational: it cannot detect the cause-and-effect
-Not a natural environment ~ low ecological validity
Research studies that illustrate the use of this technology
-Brefczynski-lewis et al (2007): meditating loss
-Aim: to examine different function of brain activity
-Method: Researchers compare the fMRI scans of monks trained in meditation, interested volunteers.
Scanned while concentrating and also at rest
Distracting noises played in order to test concentration
-Conclusion: experienced mediations more adept at concentrating than novices, so novices displayed more activity on fMRI from effort
Monks also showed less activity in non-concentration parts of the brain
Differences due to neuroplasticity-meditating actually physically affected monk’s brain
-Fisher (2005) Romantic love Addiction
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
What is it and how does it work?
-It provides 3D brain structures
-It detects changes in use of oxygen in blood (The area brain activity is --more active has more oxygen)
-Show how brain activity reacts to the environment
Strengths and advantages
-Does not involve effects to radio activity
-Can record activity in all brain regions
-It use for cell tissue structure
-Easily create images from various views
-Shows differences between different tissues (quite precise)
Disadvantages, limitations or concerns
-Expensive cost
-Loud noises can intimidate the participants
-Movements can affect the quality of picture
-Not quite detail as fMRI picture
Research studies that illustrate the use of this technology
(Don’t use Maguire)
-H.M case study by Corkin (2002)
-Fisher fMRI (2005) Romantic love Addiction
by
yeonjinpark (student)
