MRI

The Volunteer’s Guide

to an MRI Scan

Birkbeck-UCL Centre for NeuroImaging (BUCNI)

26 Bedford Way, London

http://bucni.psychol.ucl.ac.uk/

Thank you for your interest in our study about the development of the brain.

This page will help you to find out more about what is involved in a MRI scan.

What are MRI and fMRI?

M.R.I. stands for 'Magnetic Resonance Imaging', fMRI for 'functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging'. These are techniques that enable us to investigate the structure and function of the brain. The scanner uses a magnetic field to create detailed pictures of the brain because different structures in the brain (like brain tissue, fluid and bone) have different magnetic properties. fMRI tells us about how the brain functions because when a part of the brain is active, blood flows to it to replenish its energy supply, and blood has magnetic properties. So by using fMRI, we can find out where blood is flowing to in the brain. We analyse this information to find out which parts of the brain are active during different types of tasks.

An MRI scan shows us the structure of the brain An fMRI scan tells us about the function of the brain

What does the MRI scanner look like?

A volunteer about to have a scan

The photograph on the left shows you what an MRI scanner looks like. During your scan, you will be asked to lie on the bed while the images are taken.

The scanning makes loud noises while it takes the pictures, and you will be given earplugs to muffle the noise. The photograph on the right shows the volunteer putting in earplugs.

Can anyone have an MRI scan and are there any risks?

Having an MRI scan is safe and non-invasive. The only exception is for people with cardiac pacemakers, aneurysm clips in their brain, cochlear implants, permanent eyelining or anyone who has been exposed to metallic flakes or splinters travelling at high speed. In addition, we are unable to scan people who have fixed dental braces. This is because the scanner emits a strong magnetic field. As long as you don’t have any of these metal implants, the scan is safe and there are no side-effects.

What happens before the scan?

When you arrive at the BUCNI, we will ask you some routine questions. You will be asked to remove any metallic objects like jewellery, watches, keys or cards with metallic strips, such as cash and travel cards. Your valuables will be kept in a locker during your scan.

What happens during the scan?

Firstly, you will lie down on the scanning bed, and we will slowly slide this into the scanner. The bed does not move during the scan, unless you want to come out for any reason. If you want to stop at any point, we will stop the scan.

The scan should last about 45 minutes. During the scan, you will lie on the bed and carry out a few tasks. The tasks involve looking at a screen and pressing a button on a keypad to choose an answer. We will explain the instructions to you before you begin, and you can of course ask us questions if you are unsure about anything. Apart from that you just need to keep as still as possible, which is easiest if you relax.

We will be in contact with you via intercom throughout the whole scan, and if at any time for any reason you want to stop, you should tell us. We will bring you out of the scanner straight away. There is also a button inside for you to alert us if you want to come out.

A little advice

• If you are on any medication or wear a dental brace, let us know

• Don’t drink too much before the scan since you will be in there for 45 minutes

• Wear comfortable clothing

How does fMRI contribute to medical research?

Studies that involve volunteers like yourself are enormously helpful. Through such work, we are learning about the normal brain and how it controls language, vision, movement, memory, thought and emotion. This information also helps us to develop ideas about what how the brain is affected by different illnesses and injuries. We really appreciate your contribution to our research, and we will give you a picture of your brain as a token of our thanks!

How to reach us on the day of your scan

Parking is extremely limited so it is best to use public transport or taxi.

If you come by public transport, the Birkbeck-UCL NeuroImaging Centre is located in the basement floor of 26 Bedford Way, Bloomsbury and is close to a number of tube stations: Russell Sq, Euston Station, Euston Sq, Warren St & Goodge St.

It is very important that you attend at the time of scan that we organize before the day. If you cannot attend at that time for any reason, or are unable to attend at all, please let us know by phone as soon as possible as we may be able to find another volunteer to fill that time.

When you arrive, report to the reception desk inside the main entrance (which is up some concrete stairs). Give your name and my name (Dr Iroise Dumontheil), or the name of the researcher running your study, to the receptionist, and I will come to meet you.

Tell your friends and relatives!

We rely on public volunteers for participation in research projects. We would like more people to know what we are doing and the importance of what we are trying to achieve. For our projects, we are particularly interested in scanning children aged between 10 and 17 but we also regularly scan adult participants under the age of 35 years old.

If you have any queries please contact:

Dr Iroise Dumontheil

i.dumontheil@bbk.ac.uk

020 3073 8008

We would be very glad to give you more information.

THANKS !