OCR GCSE Biology 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Electrical stimulation, particularly when discussing techniques such as deep brain stimulation or transcranial magnetic stimulation, presents certain risks that MRI scans do not. The primary concern with electrical stimulation involves potential complications that arise from invasive procedures, such as infection at the insertion site and the potential for brain damage due to the stimulation itself or from the surgical procedure needed to implant devices. In contrast, MRI scans are non-invasive and primarily involve the use of strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain without the associated risks of surgical intervention or direct stimulation.

While MRI scans have their own considerations, such as claustrophobia or contraindications for certain patients with metal implants, they are generally safer in terms of procedural risks related to infection and neurological harm. Thus, when comparing the two methods, the possibility of infection and brain damage makes electrical stimulation a greater concern in that context, validating the assertion regarding the primary risks associated with it.