The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the feasibility in conducting advanced MRI sequences in a clinical setting. The study will be observational in nature, and will only evaluate the studies of patients that have already been prescribed an advanced MRI for clinical neurological purposes. The only difference for the subject in participating in this study is that the data and information about their scan can be used and disclosed for research purposes, which is understanding if the time of the scan, patient comfort, and quality of the data are feasible. Standard MRI's have been extremely beneficial in the diagnosis and assessment of disease, injury, and anomalies throughout the body. Adding advanced MRI sequences to the arsenal of current standard MRI sequences, as well as analyzing the clinical significance of the data, may improve the benefits of MRI in the future. Within this scope, the study will be looking at the following factors: 1. The total time of the scan, including: * Patient arrival time/lateness * Patient preparation time * Time scanner is being occupied * Patient compliance (is the patient continually stopping the study for breaks, fear, movement, etc) 2. Patient dropout rate, including: * Change of mind * Cost of study is too much * Failure to finish the scan 3. Usability of data, including: * Movement artifact * Patient requiring re-scan for any reason The scan will consist of several advanced MRI sequences that will average between 7-15 minutes each, in addition to a routine 5 minute standard MRI sequence. The variability in the number of advanced sequences depends on the prescription and patient history. All sequences are performed using an FDA-approved MRI scanner.
An MPRAGE is a high quality anatomical image of the brain. This is used as an anatomical overlay, so that all data collected from the advanced sequences below can be correlated with the correct brain areas in three dimensional space. 1. Resting BOLD - BOLD stands for blood oxygen level dependent. This functional sequence allows for the viewing of the thinking brain at rest, and looks at brain areas that are functionally working together at the same time. The brain is in one of its most active states when it is at rest, and literature has shown that a few neurological illnesses such as OCD, depression, and pain have been associated with analyzing the data in this sequence. 2. Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) - ASL tracks the blood flow in the brain visually and gives a statistical value of how much blood is in each region in cc's per 100 grams of brain per second. 3. Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) - DTI tractography shows the different fiber tracts in the brain using a 3D model. Fiber tracts are the physical neural pathways that can show disruption or connection in communication between different areas of the brain. This is an effective technique when looking at traumatic brain injury. 4. Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) - MRS measures the ratios of select chemical compounds in the brain in relation to each other. This has shown to be effective in analyzing memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer's type disorders. 5. Stimulated BOLD - The same sequence as the resting BOLD, except the brain is being scanned during the completion of a task, instead of rest. By specifying the task (visual, problem solving, language, etc), the different areas of the brain working together to complete this task can be imaged. This is very effective for task specific symptoms and deficits. The methods and procedures in this study are all under the observational category. MRI's are FDA approved and are non-experimental devices. The goal of this research is to assess the feasibility of the scan itself, so everything done with respect to the scan is considered observational in nature. If the subject drops out of the study, anything described in this protocol will still be able available to the subject as standard medical care. The observational procedures will involve recording data for the advanced MRI scans, and no information will be shared for research if the subject does not sign the consent form.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
2,000
Neurological Associates of West Los Angeles
Santa Monica, California, United States
Number of subjects who successfully complete an fMRI scan
In order to assess scan feasibility, we will keep track of the total number of patients who sign the consent form and are able to complete the fMRI scan.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
Subject appointment time vs. subject arrival time
For each study subject, we will record the scheduled fMRI appointment time vs. the time that the subject arrives.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
Time it takes subject to get from checked-in to start of scan (in minutes)
For each study subject, we will record how long it takes to transition the subject from check-in to starting the fMRI scan.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
How long was the scanner unoccupied (in minutes)
We will record the length of time that the scanner is unoccupied in between scans.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
Number and type of sequences performed
For each study subject, we will record the number and type of sequences performed for the fMRI scan, e.g. MPRAGE, ASL, Resting BOLD, etc.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
Time of scan (in minutes)
For each study subject, we will record the total amount of time it takes to complete the fMRI scan.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
How many times did the subject pause the scan (if any) and for how long (in minutes)
For each study subject, we will record the number of times a subject pauses the fMRI scan and the duration of each pause.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
Did the subject finish the scan
For each study subject, we will record whether or not the subject was able to complete the fMRI scan.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
Did the subject cancel the scan, and for what reason
For each study subject, we will record whether the patient canceled the fMRI scan and for what reason.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
Did the subject cause too much movement artifact
For each study subject, we will record whether the post-processed fMRI data shows too much motion artifact, which could lead to the subject needing to be re-scanned.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
Does the subject need to be re-scanned, and for what reason
For each study subject, we will record whether or not the subject requires a re-scan and for what reason.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
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