General Information for Study Participants
|
|
|
This page contains information for individuals who participated or want to participate in our studies. We would like to keep you up-to-date about the study procedures, what is happening in our laboratory, what results we have recently published. Please let us know if you have more information, email mpaulus@ucsd.edu Also look at our recruitment page for ongoing studies!
|
|
Information about Fall 2006/Spring 2007: Anxiety Research Study:
|
|
|
Links to information on this page: |
|
fMRI - what is it? |
|
WHAT IS MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING? |
|
|
Listen to the sound of a structural MRI scan here!This is the sound of a functional MRI scan! |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a large magnet,
radiofrequency signals and sophisticated computers to produce the images
a physician reads. An MRI scan is harmless and takes about one hour to
complete. There are no known side effects, and MRI produces no
potentially harmful ionizing radiation.
fMRI stands for functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and basically means that we are measuring how your brain is functioning when you perform certain tasks. |
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT? |
|
|
Larger picture of a scanner, please click on thumbnail for large image. |
The magnet is shaped like a donut with a comfortable table
that slides into the center of the magnetic field. The scanner operator
will explain each step of the procedure. We want you to be as
comfortable as possible. When you are in the MRI, you will wear ear
plugs but you can still hear a rapid tapping sound. In between the scans
you may also hear a chirping sound.
It is important that you remain as still as possible during the scans.The magnet is equipped with an intercom, which allows use to hear you at all times. If you feel uncomfortable, we would immediately stop the experiment. |
THE HEAD COIL: |
|
|
Picture of a typical head coil. |
You head will be placed in a head coil, which allows us to measure changes in magnetic field. These changes are used to determine how much blood flows through your brain and how much oxygen is extracted from your blood into the central nervous system. |
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: |
|
|
Map of the Keck fMRI Center, please click on thumbnail for large image. |
Because the MRI machine uses a strong magnetic field,
which will move objects made with iron or steel, let us know if you
have:
Even metal objects not made of iron or steel can interfere with the MRI - so don't bring any of the following into MRI room (a secure place to store your valuables will be provided):
Magnetic waves can also erase the code on bank cards and credit cards, so don't bring inside the MRI room. |
The Official Keck fMRI Center website |
|
|
|
|
How to get from the Lab to the Keck Center? |
|
|
|
|
|
A close up:
|
|
OTHER RESOURCES ABOUT MRI, BRAIN, AND FMRI ON THE WEB |
|
|
|
|
|
Well-described information about fMRI. |
|
