Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Neuroimaging?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Neuroimaging is a branch of medical imaging which focuses on the brain. In addition to being used to diagnose disease and assess brain health, neuroimaging is also valuable in the study of the brain, how the brain works, and how various activities impact the brain. Many hospitals and research facilities have a neuroimaging department, which in small facilities may be bundled into the general medical imaging department.

The capability to look inside the body with imaging equipment started with the development of X-Ray machines in the early 20th century, and grew by leaps and bounds in the 1960s and 1970s. New imaging technology is constantly being developed, along with new ways to use that technology. The field of neuroimaging has benefited immensely from advances in imaging technology which have allowed companies to develop machines which can probe into the complexities of the brain.

Physicians can consult neuroimages when planning a surgery.
Physicians can consult neuroimages when planning a surgery.

There are two types of neuroimaging: functional and structural. Functional neuroimaging is focused on the functions of the brain, using equipment which can register brain activity. In a classic example of functional neuroimaging, functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can generate images in which different sections of the brain light up as they become active. Structural neuroimaging is static and concerned with the physical structure of the brain. Computed Axial Tomography (CAT), for example, can be used to identify tumors in the brain which could interfere with function.

MRIs can generate images in which different sections of the brain light up as they become active.
MRIs can generate images in which different sections of the brain light up as they become active.

In addition to MRI and CAT scans, neuroimaging can also use technology like Positron Emission Topography (PET), MagnetoEncephaloGraphy (MEG), diffuse optical imaging, and event related optical imaging. All of this technology can be used in a variety of ways to look at the brain and see how it works, sometimes with the assistance of contrast dyes, physical prompts for the patient, and other tools which will form a more complete picture of the brain.

CAT scans can be used to identify tumors in the brain that may interfere with brain function.
CAT scans can be used to identify tumors in the brain that may interfere with brain function.

When a doctor recommends neuroimaging for a patient, it is usually because the doctor is concerned about the patient's brain function, or because he or she wishes to rule out concerns about brain function when determining a diagnosis. The procedures for neuroimaging techniques vary, depending on the type of imaging studies which have been ordered, and patients are usually walked carefully through the process to ensure that the images are of high quality so that the imaging studies do not have to be repeated.

Neuroimaging is valuable in studying the brain.
Neuroimaging is valuable in studying the brain.

People who participate in studies on the brain may be asked to submit to neuroimaging as part of their participation in the study. This neuroimaging is performed for research purposes, not diagnostic ones, although obviously if a problem is identified, the research participant will be notified.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

bindu

I was in search of studies supporting the relation/ interconnectedness between social exclusion and neuroimaging/ science. Can you suggest some?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Physicians can consult neuroimages when planning a surgery.
      By: Nobilior
      Physicians can consult neuroimages when planning a surgery.
    • MRIs can generate images in which different sections of the brain light up as they become active.
      By: Mikhail Kondrashov
      MRIs can generate images in which different sections of the brain light up as they become active.
    • CAT scans can be used to identify tumors in the brain that may interfere with brain function.
      By: Andrey Ushakov
      CAT scans can be used to identify tumors in the brain that may interfere with brain function.
    • Neuroimaging is valuable in studying the brain.
      By: weim
      Neuroimaging is valuable in studying the brain.
    • Neuroimaging can be used to diagnose a number of brain and central nervous system issues.
      By: Mikhail Basov
      Neuroimaging can be used to diagnose a number of brain and central nervous system issues.
    • A PET scanner uses gamma cameras to capture images inside the body.
      By: sonap
      A PET scanner uses gamma cameras to capture images inside the body.