Study of New Magnetic Resonance Imaging Methods of the Brain
Trial Parameters
Brief 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. ...
Eligibility 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, hea