Protocol Number: 00-N-0082

Title:

Characterization of Brain Activation at 1.5 and 3.0 Tesla Using Perfusion Images and Blood Oxygen Level Dependent Images

Number:

00-N-0082

Summary:

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.

Sponsoring Institute:

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

Recruitment Detail

Type: Participants currently recruited/enrolled

Gender: Male & Female

Referral Letter Required: No

Population Exclusion(s): Children

Eligibility Criteria:

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Any neurologically and psychiatrically normal, male or female, healthy volunteer over 18 years old. Subjects must be capable of understanding the procedures and requirements of this study. Subjects must be willing to sign an informed consent document.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

A subject will be excluded if he/she has a contraindication to MR scanning such as the following: pregnancy, aneurysm clip; implanted neural stimulator; implanted cardiac pacemaker or auto-defibrillator; cochlear implant; ocular foreign body (e.g. metal shavings or insulin pump) and any pre-existing eye conditions. Subjects who underwent brain surgery, who have a neurological lesion, a psychiatric history or a history of migraine will also be excluded from this study. The contraindications to MRI at 1.5 T and 3.0 T are identical.

Special Instructions:

Currently Not Provided

Keywords:

BOLD Effect

Cerebral Blood Flow

Cerebral Blood Volume

Functional Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Technical Developments

Recruitment Keyword(s):

None

Condition(s):

Healthy

Investigational Drug(s):

None

Investigational Device(s):

None

Intervention(s):

None

Supporting Site:

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Contact(s):

Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office
Building 61
10 Cloister Court
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4754
Toll Free: 1-800-411-1222
TTY: 301-594-9774 (local),1-866-411-1010 (toll free)
Fax: 301-480-9793

Electronic Mail:prpl@mail.cc.nih.gov

Citation(s):

Brain magnetic resonance imaging with contrast dependent on blood oxygenation

Intrinsic signal changes accompanying sensory stimulation: functional brain mapping with magnetic resonance imaging

Perfusion imaging

• Questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.
• Technical questions regarding the Clinical Center web site, please contact the Department of Clinical Research Informatics, CC.

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