Exploring how the brain processes visual information

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the brain's two visual processing pathways: the ventral pathway for object recognition and the dorsal pathway for spatial awareness. Using techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), researchers aim to understand how these pathways contribute to cognitive tasks such as object recognition and attention. Healthy volunteers aged 18 to 50 will participate in experiments that involve both brain stimulation and visual tasks to observe changes in brain activity. The goal is to gain insights into the neural mechanisms underlying visual processing.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

* INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Healthy

Ages 18-50 years (inclusive)

Able to read and write in English to guarantee understanding of all written and spoken instructions, which are in English

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Individuals with conditions that could pose a risk relating to the safety of the MRI procedure, the TMS procedure or the combined TBS and fMRI procedure will be excluded from the protocol such as:

* Those with ferromagnetic metal in the cranial cavity or eye, e.g. aneurysm clip, implanted neural stimulator, cochlear implant, ocular foreign body.
* Those with an abnormality on a structural MRI.
* Those with an implanted cardiac pacemaker or auto-defibrillator
* Those with an insulin pump.
* Those with an irremovable body piercing
* Pregnant women
* Those with a visual impairment that will prevent them from performing the task
* Those without consent capacity will not be enrolled
* Those who do not understand the study instructions
* Those with a history of neurological problems. Neurological problems include, but are not limited to; family history of epilepsy, history of seizures and recurrent migraines.
* Those using medicines that can lower the seizure threshold. These can include but are not limited to; imipramine, amitriptyline, doxepine, nortriptyline, maprotiline, chlorpromazine, clozapine, foscarnet, ganciclovir, ritonavir, amphetamines.
* Those with a visual impairment that will prevent them from performing the task
* Those who have a significant psychiatric illness or have a history of psychiatric illness.
* NIMH staff/employees/family members

Where it's running

• National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
  Bethesda, Maryland, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Christopher I Baker, Ph.D. — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
• Study coordinator: NIMH LBC Volunteer
• Email: nimhlbcvolunteer@mail.nih.gov
• Phone: (301) 827-5157

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.