The purpose of the study is to evaluate how cerebellar resection surgery may affect pain sensation and the way the brain "reads" pain signals. By measuring brain activity in children and adolescents following surgery, the investigators hope to gain valuable information about pain processing in the brain.
This study is designed to test whether cerebellar resection surgery affects pain pathways in the brain. To participate a participant must (A) have had a cerebellar mass surgically removed, or (B) are a healthy volunteer with no history of pain disorders or mental illness. The study will involve sensory testing and brain imaging using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Sensory testing will be performed using a tub of cold water, as well as a contact thermode capable of delivering hot and cold temperatures. MRI brain scanning uses magnetic fields and radio waves to give pictures of the brain without using radiation.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
24
30 minutes of sensory testing using a contact thermal stimulator will measure thresholds for heat and cool detection, and threshold for hot and cold pain.
The next 15 minutes of sensory testing will measure tolerance to having right or left hand in a tub of cold water. The participant will place their hand in cold water and leave it there for as long they can, even if it is uncomfortable. The participant can take their arm out if it gets too uncomfortable to leave it in.
An MRI will be used to collect anatomical and functional images from patients and subjects. These data will be collected within a 1 hour block.
Boston Children's Hospital
Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
Increase in blood oxygen level dependent signal response
Functional magnetic resonance imaging scans will be collected to measure blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) responses, an indirect measure measure of neural activity. The Unit of Measure is % BOLD signal change across spatiotemporal domains within the brain.
Time frame: Baseline, Day 1
Fear of Pain Questionnaire-Child scores
Assesses fear of pain
Time frame: Baseline, Day 1
Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children scores
Assesses anxiety
Time frame: Baseline, Day 1
Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function scores
Assesses executive function
Time frame: Baseline, Day 1
Fear of Pain Questionnaire III-Adult scores
Assesses fear of pain
Time frame: Baseline, Day 1
Multidimensional Anxiety Questionnaire-Adult scores
Assesses anxiety
Time frame: Baseline, Day 1
Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult version scores
Assesses executive function
Time frame: Baseline, Day 1
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The surveys include questions about emotions, thoughts, and feelings. These surveys will be given before sensory testing and before the MRI scan. The parent or guardian will help to complete two surveys, and will complete one survey on his or her own. Questions can be skipped, and may be stopped at any time.