Protocol Number: 06-N-0174
Healthy volunteers 18 years of age and older and patients with PLS and ALS may be eligible for this study. Participants undergo the following procedures: -Rating motor function: Subjects are asked to contract certain muscles in the face, arms and legs, to tap their finger on a keyboard rapidly, to walk 20 feet, and to read a paragraph out loud. -Electroencephalography (EEG): The electrical activity of the brain (brain waves) is recorded while subjects tap their finger very slowly. For this test, electrodes are placed on the scalp using a cap or an adhesive substance. A conductive gel is used to fill the space between the electrodes and the scalp to ensure good contact. -Surface electromyography (EMG): The electrical activity of the muscles is measured. Electrodes filled with a conductive gel are taped to the skin over the muscle tested. -Neuropsychological testing: Testing may include questionnaires, pen-and-paper or computerized tests, and motor tasks. -Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce images of the brain. The subject lies on a table that slides into the scanner. Scanning time varies from 20 minutes to 3 hours, with most scans lasting 45-90 minutes.
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National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland 20892. Last update: 01/13/2009
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