Assignment 2:—Brain Scans and Application of Research to Brain Injury The past twenty years have seen advancements in technology that were critical to further understanding concepts in cognitive psychology. Two such developments are positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. These scans allow researchers to “see” the brain in action. Research how brain scans can diagnose injury and disease using the Internet and the Argosy University online library resources. Based on your research, answer the following questions: How do PET and MRI work? If you were showing a person words while having an MRI, what brain areas would probably be active? If a brain injury victim is unable to move the right arm, in which area of the brain would an MRI scan most likely reveal damage? What kind of scan do you think would be best in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease? How do the research tools (equipment and methodology) available today contribute to a greater understanding of “conscious processes and immediate experience” than was possible using trained introspection and structuralism? PETs and MRIs also can diagnose head injuries. Consider the following scenario: You are working at a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital and meet with Allison. Allison is in the US Army and has just returned home from a deployment. During her deployment, a bomb was thrown into a vehicle in which she was riding. She was not severely injured but was told that she sustained a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Respond to the following: Define TBI for Allison. Describe any symptoms that Allison might experience. How do you think the army should deal with these injuries? For example, if Allison is not obviously physically impaired, should she be discharged and receive disability pay? Should she be redeployed? If Allison stays in the army, what kinds of jobs do you think she should not perform? Write your initial response in 4–5 paragraphs. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

Paper For Above instruction

Advancements in neuroimaging technologies such as positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have revolutionized the way scientists and clinicians understand and diagnose brain injuries and diseases. These tools provide unprecedented insights into brain activity and structure, which aid in accurate diagnosis and inform treatment strategies. PET scans operate by detecting gamma rays emitted indirectly by a radiotracer introduced into the bloodstream. These radiotracers are designed to trace metabolic processes in the brain, allowing researchers to observe brain activity by measuring glucose metabolism or blood flow. In contrast, MRI employs strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain's anatomy. Functional MRI (fMRI), a variation, measures blood oxygenation levels to identify active brain regions during specific tasks, making it invaluable for understanding localized brain functions.

When showing a person words while having an MRI, especially an fMRI, certain brain areas are typically activated. Research indicates that language processing primarily involves Broca's area and Wernicke's area, located in the left frontal and temporal lobes, respectively. These regions are responsible for language production and comprehension. Additionally, the angular gyrus plays a role in integrating visual and auditory language information. If a brain injury victim cannot move their right arm, the MRI would likely reveal damage to the left motor cortex, specifically within the primary motor cortex located in the precentral gyrus. Since motor control is contralateral, damage on the left side of the brain manifests as impairments on the right side of the body.

For diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease, PET imaging using radiotracers such as Pittsburgh Compound B (PiB) has proven especially effective. This technique can detect amyloid-beta plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s pathology, before significant cognitive decline occurs. Additionally, structural MRI can reveal brain atrophy, particularly in the hippocampus and temporal lobes, which are early sites of degeneration in Alzheimer’s patients. The combination of PET's ability to visualize molecular changes and MRI’s detailed anatomical imaging provides a comprehensive approach for early and accurate diagnosis, informing treatment planning and intervention.

Contemporary research tools like PET and MRI have dramatically enhanced understanding of conscious processes and immediate experience, surpassing earlier methods like trained introspection and structuralism that relied heavily on subjective reports. These imaging modalities offer objective, real-time visualization of brain activity, elucidating the neural underpinnings of perception, decision-making, and awareness. PET and fMRI allow scientists to observe how neural networks operate during specific tasks, providing insights into the brain's dynamic functional architecture. This ability to directly link brain activity with cognitive processes allows researchers to explore consciousness at a neural level, which was not possible with purely introspective techniques that depended on individuals' limited capacity for accurate self-reporting.

References

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