Glossary / Lexicon

Computed Tomography

Deutsch: Computertomographie / Español: Tomografía Computarizada / Português: Tomografia Computadorizada / Français: Tomodensitométrie / Italian: Tomografia Computerizzata

Computed Tomography (CT) in the psychology context refers to an imaging technique used to create detailed images of the brain and other body structures. It is a crucial tool in neuropsychology for diagnosing brain injuries, abnormalities, and diseases.

Description

Computed Tomography (CT) is a non-invasive imaging method that combines X-ray measurements taken from different angles around the body and uses computer processing to create cross-sectional images (slices) of the bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues inside the body. In psychology, CT scans are primarily used to investigate brain structure and identify any physical abnormalities that could be associated with psychological conditions.

CT scans are particularly valuable in clinical settings for detecting:

  • Brain Injuries: Such as concussions, hemorrhages, and skull fractures.
  • Tumors: Including both benign and malignant growths.
  • Structural Abnormalities: Such as congenital malformations or changes due to degenerative diseases.

The process involves the patient lying on a motorized table that slides into a tunnel-shaped device. As the patient moves through the scanner, an X-ray source and detector rotate around them, capturing multiple images from various angles. These images are then processed by a computer to produce detailed cross-sectional views.

Historical Background

The development of CT technology dates back to the 1970s, with significant contributions from Sir Godfrey Hounsfield and Allan Cormack, who were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1979 for their work. Initially used primarily in medical settings, the application of CT scans has expanded into psychological and neurological fields due to their ability to reveal detailed brain anatomy.

Application Areas

In psychology, CT scans are utilized in various areas:

  • Neuropsychology: To assess structural brain abnormalities that might affect cognitive and emotional functions.
  • Clinical Psychology: For diagnosing conditions such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders.
  • Research: To study brain-behavior relationships by correlating structural findings with psychological assessments.

Well-Known Examples

Prominent examples of CT scan usage in psychology include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Assessment: CT scans are often the first line of imaging used to evaluate the extent of injury following head trauma.
  • Stroke Diagnosis: CT is crucial in the acute phase to differentiate between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, guiding treatment decisions.
  • Research on Brain Disorders: Studies using CT scans have significantly advanced understanding of conditions like schizophrenia and dementia by revealing structural brain differences associated with these disorders.

Treatment and Risks

While CT scans are highly beneficial, they do involve exposure to ionizing radiation, which can pose risks, particularly with repeated use. It is essential to balance the diagnostic benefits with potential risks, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.

Similar Terms

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Another imaging technique that provides detailed images of brain structures but uses magnetic fields and radio waves instead of X-rays.
  • Positron Emission Tomography (PET): An imaging test that helps reveal how tissues and organs are functioning, often used alongside CT or MRI for comprehensive brain imaging.
  • Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT): A similar technique to PET, providing information on blood flow and activity levels in the brain.

Articles with 'Computed Tomography' in the title

  • Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography: Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) refers to a variant of the PET scan that permits a longer and more detailed imaging analysis. Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) is a medical imaging technique used to . . .

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Summary

Computed Tomography (CT) in the psychology context is a vital imaging tool used to obtain detailed images of the brain's structure, aiding in the diagnosis and understanding of various psychological and neurological conditions. Despite its radiation risks, CT remains a cornerstone in clinical and research applications due to its precision and detailed imaging capabilities.

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