Improving MRI Techniques for Brain Function Analysis
Characterization of Brain Morphology and Activity Using Functional and Anatomical MRI Contrast
This study is testing new MRI techniques to see if they can help us better understand how the brain works by looking at blood flow during simple tasks in healthy adults.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 1100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 120 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH |
| Locations | 1 site (Bethesda, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT00004577 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This investigation aims to develop advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods and hardware to enhance the study of brain function. By utilizing a more powerful MRI machine, the study will evaluate new techniques for monitoring blood flow in the brain during simple tasks. Healthy volunteers aged 18 and older will undergo yearly MRI scans, allowing researchers to improve spatial resolution and contrast in brain imaging. The study will also explore the relationship between brain activity and various physiological signals.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy volunteers aged 18 and older who can provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients with metal implants, claustrophobia, or significant medical history related to neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate and detailed imaging of brain function, improving diagnostic capabilities for neurological conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in enhancing MRI techniques, but this specific approach may offer novel advancements in brain imaging.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA: * 18 years of age and older * in good general health * able to understand the procedures and requirements and give informed consent EXCLUSION CRITERIA: All Subjects will undergo a neurological physical and answer the Healthy volunteer form, and the most-recent version of the NMR safety screening form A subject will be excluded if he/she: 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. The contraindications to MRI at the various field strengths are almost identical, except the 7 T also excludes subjects with gold dental crowns.
Where this trial is running
Bethesda, Maryland
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center — Bethesda, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alan P Koretsky, Ph.D. — National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
- Study coordinator: Jeffrey H Duyn, Ph.D.
- Email: duynjeff@ninds.nih.gov
- Phone: (301) 594-7305
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.