Transcript PET SCAN - Marshalldy @ ISM

PET SCAN
Kareena Saguin
Alexandra Klauser
JJ Yim
What is the PET Scan

A PET Scan ( positron emission topography) monitors glucose metabolism in
the brain
How does it work?

Patient is first injected with a dose of radioactive glucose

Then the radioactive particles emitted by the glucose are detected by the
PET Scan

The scanner then uses colored maps to map the brains activity
What is the purpose of the PET scan?

To diagnose abnormalities

To compare differences between normal brains and abnormal brains

To compare sex differences

To learn more about how the brain works when doing certain tasks
What are its strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths
Weaknesses
-Expensive
- localization
-structure and
function
-Decays quickly
-Artificial
environment
-Detect diseases
-Gamma rays have
harmful effects
‘ PET study of Meditation with Buddhist monks’
Davidson (2004)
Aims
•
To see if meditation can change
brain activity
Procedure

8 Buddhist monks ( who were
highly experienced) and 10
volunteers ( trained to meditate for
one week) were asked to meditate
about love and compassion.

Use the PET Scan to see the results
‘ PET study of Meditation with Buddhist monks’
Davidson (2004)
Findings

both control groups had an increase in Gamma rays in their brains during
meditation

The volunteers’ gamma waves returned to normal after meditation while
the monks did not have decrease in Gamma rays
Conclusions

Meditation could have great long term effects on the brain and how it
processes emotion

The brain adapts to stimulation
‘ PET study of Meditation with Buddhist monks’
Davidson (2004)
Strengths and Limitations
Methodology
Gender
Bibliography
http://www.cadth.ca/en/products/environmental-scanning/healthtechnology-update/issue1/petscannerupdate
http://www.triumf.ca/sites/default/files/images/Control-MCI-AD.jpg
http://integral-options.blogspot.com/2011_12_25_archive.html
http://alexanderjamesstockphotography.com/people-travel-and-leisure/stockphoto-buddhist-monks-meditating-at-chokokuji-temple-42980-12-885.html
http://www.petimagingflorida.com/images/pet_scan.jpg