How is the Brain Examined (3 Methods & Risks)?

1) BRAIN DAMAGE: 1848, Phineas Gage, when laying railway tracks, an iron rod went through his skull. Survived but his personality changed losing his inhibitions socially and emotionally. This allowed scientists to examine the effect on injuries on his brain activity 2) ELECTRICAL STIMULATION: Scientists stimulate parts of the brain w/ a weak electrical current, patients describe what they experience. If motor area is stimulated, patient makes an involuntary movement. visual area stimulate - may see a flash of colour. Electroencephalograms can be created and studied, to observe the electrical activity in the brain 3) MRI BRAIN SCANS: use strong magnetic fields and radio waves to show details of brain structure and function. Patients perform various tasks, by looking at scan, scientist can see which parts of the brain are active 4) RISKS: Brain surgery may be needed to remove the tumour or excess fluid like blood. Due to complexity & delicacy of the brain, treating and investigating is very difficult. Surgery can cause more damage/side effects