Study of New Magnetic Resonance Imaging Methods of the Brain

Description

The purpose of this investigation is to develop improved magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques and hardware for studying brain function. MRI is a diagnostic tool that provides information about brain chemistry and physiology. This study will evaluate new MRI methods for monitoring blood flow to regions of the brain in response to simple tasks. The MRI machine used in this study is more powerful than those in most hospitals, permitting a higher visual resolution. Normal healthy volunteers over 18 years old may be eligible for this study. Candidates will be screened with a medical history and questionnaire, and a neurological examination. Study participants will have a yearly MRI scan. For this procedure, the subject lies on a stretcher that is moved into a donut-shaped machine with a strong magnetic field. A lightweight circular or rectangular coil a device that improves the quality of the images may be placed on the head. The scan time varies from 20 minutes to 3 hours; most scans last between 45 and 90 minutes. During the scan, the subject may perform simple tasks, such as listening to tapes, tapping a finger, moving a hand, watching a screen, or smelling a fragrance. More complex tasks may require thinking about tones or pictures and responding to them by pressing buttons. Information from this study will be used to develop better imaging methods that will, in turn, permit a greater understanding of normal and abnormal brain behaviors.

Conditions

Healthy Volunteer, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Healthy, fMRI, Brain Mapping, Adult

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

The purpose of this investigation is to develop improved magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques and hardware for studying brain function. MRI is a diagnostic tool that provides information about brain chemistry and physiology. This study will evaluate new MRI methods for monitoring blood flow to regions of the brain in response to simple tasks. The MRI machine used in this study is more powerful than those in most hospitals, permitting a higher visual resolution. Normal healthy volunteers over 18 years old may be eligible for this study. Candidates will be screened with a medical history and questionnaire, and a neurological examination. Study participants will have a yearly MRI scan. For this procedure, the subject lies on a stretcher that is moved into a donut-shaped machine with a strong magnetic field. A lightweight circular or rectangular coil a device that improves the quality of the images may be placed on the head. The scan time varies from 20 minutes to 3 hours; most scans last between 45 and 90 minutes. During the scan, the subject may perform simple tasks, such as listening to tapes, tapping a finger, moving a hand, watching a screen, or smelling a fragrance. More complex tasks may require thinking about tones or pictures and responding to them by pressing buttons. Information from this study will be used to develop better imaging methods that will, in turn, permit a greater understanding of normal and abnormal brain behaviors.

Characterization of Brain Morphology and Activity Using Functional and Anatomical MRI Contrast

Study of New Magnetic Resonance Imaging Methods of the Brain

Condition
Healthy Volunteer
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Bethesda

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20892

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * 18 years of age and older
  • * in good general health
  • * able to understand the procedures and requirements and give informed consent
  • 1. has any metal implant or objects of unknown identity or composition, or if it s known to be non-compatible with MRI, such as pacemakers, medication pumps, aneurysm clips, metallic prosthesis (such as heart valves or cochlear implants), certain orthopedic implants (pins and rods), shrapnel, or small metal fragments in the eye;
  • 2. has claustrophobia;
  • 3. cannot lie comfortably for up to 120 minutes;
  • 4. underwent brain surgery or suffered a traumatic head trauma;
  • 5. has migraines that require medication;
  • 6. has ever been hospitalized for a psychiatric disorder;
  • 7. has medical health problems such as pulmonary or airway disease, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and uncontrolled hypertension which would require physiological monitoring during the scan;
  • 8. has a history of any medical condition that could result in an emergency medical situation while undergoing the MRI scan;
  • 9. has hearing problems which would make it difficult to tolerate scanner noise;
  • 10. is pregnant;
  • 11. has body/make-up tattoos (e.g. lips, eyebrows, eyeliner). Each tattoo will be considered on a case-to-case basis, taking into account of the age and location of the tattoo;
  • 12. has a sleep apnea diagnosis;
  • 13. has a neurological disorder, such as Stroke, Parkinson s, and Epilepsy;
  • 14. a member of the NINDS Laboratory of Functional and Molecular Imaging.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 120 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS),

Alan P. Koretsky, Ph.D., PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

Study Record Dates

N/A