Question

What are the research techniques to research the brain?

Answer 1

There are many different research methods applied by the neurologist as well reseachers in the research of the brain. 1. Recording electrical activity by using EEG- This research technique is used in analysing the electrical activity in the brain created by stimulating its neurons this is called electroencephalography or EEG. This technique records the electrical activity produced by the brain's neurons with the help of electrodes that are placed around the person's head. This innovative technique can show if the person is asleep or awake & also the task that person is performing. In modern times this technique is used to detect the brain abnormalities such as epilepsy.    2. Technique of Neuroimaging- To glance deep into the structure of the brain the researchers use functional magnetic resonance imaging i.e. fMRI method which uses magnetic field to create images of brain activity in every part of the brain area. In this technique the person lie on the bed within a large cylindrical shape structure which contains a very strong magnet. Neurons which gets stimulate uses more oxygen which ultimately increases more blood flow to the brain area. The fMRI detects the amount of blood flow in each brain region. This Neuroimaging research technique also detects if a person experienced any emotional pain also rather than any physical pain which gets detected quite easily. Researches shows that if a person undergone any emotional distress or pain then through this method easily gets diagnosed as it shows that the person experienced pain in the same part of the brain where physical pain is normally being experienced. It also supports the concept that people those who are socially neglected by others experience similar brain responses experienced by someone having experienced physical injury. 3. Use of TMS i.e. Transcranial magnetic stimulation in order to study the influence of brain structures on thoughts, feelings & behaviors of a person this method is used. In this method magnetic pulses are applied to the brain of a living person with the aim of temporarily & safely deactivating a small part of the brain region. Modern researchers used this technique to study the particular parts of brain areas responsible for emotion, reasoning & thinking. And also in analysing how people detect intentions of others. It is very widely used in treating mental disorders like migraine & other similar disorders.