Basics & Neuroimaging

Question 1

Brief history of neuro and SLP

Answer 1

We began as locutionists, working with stuttering and TBI (especially after WWII)
1990 was the “decade of the brain” due to neuroimaging advances and increase in knowledge about nervous system functioning
We have recently experienced a shift in the severity and types of diagnoses because of medical care and syndromes

Question 2

Clinicopathology

Answer 2

Determining the relationship between the lesion/damage and the behavior you’re observing
The foundation of a neurological exam!

Damage | S/S | Diagnosis
CVA (L) | Word retrieval difficulties | Aphasia (fluent)

Question 3

What are the benefits of neuroimaging?

Answer 3

Clarifies the site and severity of lesion
Offers a valid diagnosis
Does NOT replace clinicopathlogy

Question 4

Anatomical Position

Answer 4

Superior/  inferior
Rostrum / caudal
Dorsal / ventral
Sagittal 
Transverse
Coronal
R / L

Question 5

CT

Answer 5

Computed Typography
Static
Measures density of tissues in cross sections
As detailed as an autopsy

Question 6

MRI

Answer 6

Static
Radio waves and magnetic fields detect water molecules (only alive)
Common but expensive, high contrast

Question 7

FMRI

Answer 7

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Dynamic
Measures change in blood flow/volume/oxygenation via water
Dark spots = died off tissue

Question 8

PET

Answer 8

Position Emission Tomopgraphy
Dynamic
Measures metabolic activity by injecting radioactive glucose and monitoring speed of digestion (tumors = red)
Used in head and neck cancer, brain (language/cognition)

Question 9

SPECT

Answer 9

Single Photono Emission Tomography
Dynamic
Gamma waves measure by-product of glucose
Looks at 3D activity
Less resolution, but less money!

Question 10

Caveats of neuroimaging

Answer 10

Accuracy
Age of scans
Interference
Limited cross-sectional slices
Difficult to read
Not always available
Not all disorders have lesions early on

** continue to use clinical instincts and use behavioral neuro exams!