1. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
One of the most widely used neuroimaging techniques, MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to generate detailed images of the brain’s structures and functions. It is non-invasive, painless, and provides high-resolution images that can identify abnormalities in the brain.
2. Computed Tomography (CT)
CT scans use X-rays to create 3D images of the brain’s structures. They are commonly used in emergency situations as they can quickly detect bleeding or swelling in the brain.
3. Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
PET scans use a special radioactive tracer that binds to specific molecules in the brain and emits positrons which are detected by a scanner. This technique allows researchers to study metabolic activity and neurotransmitter function in different regions of the brain.
4. Functional MRI (fMRI)
This technique measures changes in blood flow within different regions of the brain while a person performs specific tasks or experiences certain stimuli. fMRI has revolutionized our understanding of how different areas of the brain work together during complex cognitive processes like language comprehension or decision making.
5. Electroencephalography (EEG)
EEG records electrical activity generated by neurons on the scalp using electrodes attached to it . It helps diagnose seizure disorders, sleep disorders such as insomnia or narcolepsy, monitor anesthetic depth during surgery, etc.
6.Magnetoencephalography(MEG)
MEG detects small magnetic fields generated by electrical activity within neurons across various parts of your head with very precise spatial resolution than EEG.
7.Diffusion Tensor Imaging(DTI)
DTI creates images based on how water diffuses through white matter tracts connecting different parts of your gray matter which helps map connections between various regions thereby giving us a better idea about communication networks
8.Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy(fNIRS)
It records changes in oxygen levels in the brain’s blood vessels that occur when neurons are active. This technique has been useful to understand how the brain processes visual or auditory information, language processing and emotional responses.
9.Single-photon emission computed tomography(SPECT)
SPECT scans use a radioactive tracer that binds to specific molecules in the brain and emits gamma rays which are detected by a scanner. It is helpful in identifying tumors, stroke, dementia and other neurological conditions
10.Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy(MRS)
MRS provides detailed chemical information about different metabolites within the brain including neurotransmitters such as glutamate or GABA. It can be useful for studying metabolic disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy or schizophrenia.
11.Functional Ultrasound(fUS)
fUS uses high-frequency sound waves instead of magnetic fields to image changes in blood flow within different regions of the brain while an animal performs certain tasks.It has better temporal resolution than fMRI
12.Optical Coherence Tomography(OCT)
OCT uses light waves to create high-resolution images of retinal tissue at micrometer scale which helps us diagnose various eye diseases like glaucoma etc.
13.Cerebral Angiography
It is used to study blood supply to your head and neck using X-rays after injecting contrast material into your arteries .This helps identify abnormalities like aneurysms ,arteriovenous malformations etc .
14.Diffuse Optical Imaging (DOI)
DOI measures changes in oxygenated hemoglobin levels across large areas of the cortex using near-infrared light.This non invasive imaging modality can be used for babies who cannot tolerate more invasive procedures thereby helping us detect any developmental abnormalities early on
15.Electrocorticography(ECoG)
ECoG records electrical activity from electrodes placed directly on the surface of your brain during surgery. It is commonly used before resective surgery for epilepsy patients where surgeons remove portions of their brain to control seizures or to locate the source of seizures