Study of New Magnetic Resonance Imaging Methods of the Brain

Objective

The goal of this protocol is to improve spatial resolution and contrast in MRI studies of
brain anatomy and function, by developing novel hardware, and image acquisition and
reconstruction techniques. Specifically, by improving MRI image quality and manipulating MRI
contrast, we aim to better characterize and quantify structural, chemical, and blood flow
variations across the brain, and study their relationship with neuronal activity. For this
purpose, we will develop and optimize novel MRI techniques on normal, healthy volunteers, and
combine these with EEG and recording of other physiological signals.

Study Population

Any healthy, male or female volunteer 18 years of age and older; the subjects must be capable
of understanding the procedures and requirements of this study and be willing to sign an
informed consent document.

Design

This is a technical development study design to develop and evaluate new MR technology for
performing MRI and functional MRI in the CNS with novel contrasts and with a high spatial
resolution.

Outcome Measures

The primary outcome of this study will be the ability to acquire anatomical and functional
images of the human brain with high spatial resolution, i.e. 200-300 micron and 750-1000
micron respectively. In addition, developed techniques will allow the robust measurement of
specific tissue properties, including diffusion, structural anisotropy, iron and myelin
content, perfusion, and metabolite concentrations. The relative merits of blood flow and
blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) functional MRI (fMRI) techniques, and their
particular spatial and temporal signal characteristics will be established. It will be
determined whether information valuable to interpret BOLD fMRI can be derived from EEG and
other physiological signals

- 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 prior to MRI, and answer the Healthy
volunteer form, and the most-recent version of the NMR safety screening

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 head trauma

5. has migraines that require medication;

6. has a psychiatric disorder (defined by the DSM-5);

7. has a neurological lesion or history of neurological disorders;

8. has known hearing problems;

9. is pregnant;

10. has permanent eye liner;

11. has medical problems such as, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, pulmonary or airway
disease, heart failure, coronary artery disease, or history of sleep apnea.

12. has a diagnosable substance dependence

13. 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 a ferromagnetic dental crown or a bridge.