The Past Twenty Years Have Seen Advancements In Techn 211616

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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).

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Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are vital neuroimaging tools that have revolutionized the diagnosis and understanding of brain injuries and diseases. PET scans work by detecting positrons emitted from radioactive tracers introduced into the bloodstream to observe metabolic processes within the brain. This allows researchers and clinicians to measure brain activity levels, identifying areas with abnormal function. Conversely, MRI utilizes powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of brain structures, highlighting anatomical abnormalities or lesions. The MRI's ability to differentiate between different tissue types makes it especially useful for detecting structural damages caused by injuries or neurodegenerative diseases. Both tools enable non-invasive, real-time visualization of the brain, offering insights that were previously inaccessible through traditional methods.

When a person is shown words during an MRI scan, several brain regions are typically active. Primarily, the visual cortex at the back of the brain processes visual stimuli. Simultaneously, language-related areas such as Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas in the left temporal and frontal lobes are engaged for decoding and understanding the words. The prefrontal cortex may also activate to facilitate working memory and attention during the task. Functional MRI (fMRI), a variation of MRI, measures blood flow changes associated with neuronal activity, allowing researchers to observe which regions are engaged during specific cognitive tasks, including language processing.

If a brain injury victim cannot move the right arm, damage most likely resides in the left motor cortex. The primary motor cortex located in the frontal lobe controls voluntary movements on the contralateral side of the body, meaning damage to the left hemisphere could impair right arm movement. MRI scans provide detailed imaging to pinpoint such lesions or disruptions in neural pathways. In cases of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, PET scans are often more effective because they can detect abnormal metabolic activity before structural changes are evident. PET imaging reveals reduced glucose metabolism in characteristic brain regions like the posterior cingulate and hippocampus, aiding early diagnosis.

The integration of advanced neuroimaging tools, including PET and MRI, has significantly enhanced our understanding of conscious processes and immediate experience beyond the capabilities of traditional methods like trained introspection and structuralism. These tools provide objective, biological evidence of brain activity correlated with mental states, enabling scientists to observe cognition in real-time. Functional neuroimaging reveals how different brain regions interact during conscious awareness, perception, and decision-making processes. Such insights surpass the subjective limitations of introspection, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the neural underpinnings of consciousness, which was previously impossible to study systematically.

Returning to the clinical scenario involving Allison, who sustained a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), it is essential to understand the implications of such injuries. TBI refers to a disruption in normal brain function caused by an external force, often resulting from blows, jabs, or explosions. For Allison, symptoms might include headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, irritability, or fatigue. Despite these symptoms, if she retains her functional independence, her injury might be classified as mild, but monitoring and treatment are crucial for recovery. The military should provide comprehensive assessment and ongoing support, including neuropsychological testing and rehabilitation programs, to address potential cognitive or emotional deficits.

If Allison remains in the army, considerations should include her safety and operational effectiveness. Although her physical impairments might be minimal, cognitive impairments such as sensitivity to stress or vulnerability to fatigue might influence her suitability for certain roles. She should avoid deployment in high-risk environments where cognitive clarity is essential or situations demanding quick reflexes or decision-making under stress. Ethical considerations dictate that her well-being and safety take priority, with adequate medical evaluation guiding her deployment status and career options. Discharging her with appropriate disability support might be necessary if her symptoms persist, but reallocation to less demanding roles could also be considered.

In conclusion, technological advances in neuroimaging such as PET and MRI have profoundly transformed our ability to diagnose, understand, and treat brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. These tools enable clinicians to visualize brain function and structure with unprecedented detail, providing insights into the neural correlates of cognition, consciousness, and disease processes. The case of Allison exemplifies the importance of integrating these technologies into military healthcare, ensuring that individuals with mild TBIs receive appropriate care and accommodations. Overall, ongoing developments in neuroimaging will continue to deepen our understanding of the brain’s mysteries and improve clinical outcomes for individuals with neurological injuries.

References

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