Center for Mind/Brain Sciences
Functional Neuroimaging Laboratories
Via delle Regole, 101 - Mattarello (TN) - ITALY
Tel. +39 0461 883080 - Fax +39 0461 883066 - Email: [email protected]
Buongiorno!
Thank you for your interest. This leaflet will provide you some information on magnetic resonance and on
the research carried out in our Center.
What are Magnetic Resonance and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging?
These are techniques, which enable us to examine the structures of
the brain in conjunction with their function. They are unique tools for
research, and allow brain functions and behaviour to be investigated
in terms of activation and blood flow of specific areas of the brain.
The basis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the use of
magnetic fields and radio frequencies to produce a map of the water
concentrations in the body. Within the bore of the scanner there is a
very large uniform magnetic field. The person being scanned is
moved on a bed into this magnetic field with their head inside a radio
frequency coil, which has the appearance of a large helmet. When the
person’s head is in the centre of the magnetic field, radio frequency
pulses and magnetic field gradients are switched on and off very
rapidly to produce a signal for magnetic resonance image formation.
These produce a loud knocking noise throughout the scan, but thanks to the use of ear plugs this noise
should not be uncomfortable.
How does fMRI contribute to scientific research on the brain?
Functional MRI (fMRI) is shedding light on some of the fundamental workings of the human brain. Studies
that involve normal volunteers form the basis of this and are a vital part of our research program. Through
such work, we are learning about normal brain function in areas such as language, vision, attention,
movement, memory, and emotion.
The Functional Neuroimaing Laboratories (LNiF),
Center for Mind/Brain Sciences
The study will be carried out at the Laboratorio di Neuroimmagini Funzionali (LNiF), Center for Mind/Brain
Sciences, University of Trento. The LNiF is a research center and not a diagnostic one. It promotes the
development of new technologies, and in particular of image acquisition by means of functional
resonance imaging. Our aim is to increase our knowledge on the structure and functions of the human
brain in order to improve prevention, diagnosis and therapy of its different sorts of illnesses.
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Who cannot have a magnetic resonance scan?
Because of the use of strong rapidly changing magnetic fields, people who have
implants such as cardiac pacemakers, aneurysm clips in their brain, cochlear implants,
permanent eye lining or anyone who has been exposed to metallic flakes or splinters
travelling at high speed cannot be scanned. This is due to the force that is exerted on
them and the deposition of heat in any metallic object exposed to rapidly changing
radio frequencies. Moreover, we do not scan pregnant women.
What will I have to do?
Each scanning session will be part of a specific study relating to speech, language, vision, attention,
memory or emotions. The Research Fellow responsible of the study will explain in detail exactly what
tasks you will have to carry out whilst being scanned. Most of the tasks are very simple, such as looking
at pictures or words presented on a screen within the scanner.
Each experiment can lasts up to 5 scanning sessions, during which you are asked to keep your head as
still as possible, this is easiest if you relax. The scans can last from five to forty minutes. All that we need
you to do is to keep still and perform the task to the best of your ability. During the study a Radiographer
and the Researcher, who will also ensure your comfort and safety, will constantly monitor you.
Are there any risks involved?
The only risks to anyone undergoing MRI or fMRI are those mentioned previously and relate to the
incorrect evaluation of the exclusion criteria. Because of the magnetic field it is not safe for people with
cardiac pacemakers, aneurysm clips in their brain, cochlear implants, permanent eye lining or those who
have embedded metallic flakes or splinters. There are no aftereffects of the scan.
How long will the experiment take?
The entire experimental procedure generally last approximately 1-2 hours. The first twenty
minutes or so will be spent setting up the equipment (monitor, microphone, response
buttons, etc…) and making sure that you are in a comfortable position on the scanner bed.
The actual scanning session lasts up to one hour.
Are there any positive aspects for volunteers undergoing MRI?
The MRI scan you will get at LNiF doe not have any clinical or
diagnostic value, since the measures we obtain are not apt for nor
aimed at revealing specific pathologies. Even the explorations of the
functions of your brain will not have any diagnostic value. The main
advantage in volunteering to have a magnetic resonance imaging scan
consists in the opportunity to observe the activity in a neuroscience
laboratory. Volunteering for us will leave you with the knowledge that
the experience has contributed to furthering the progress of research on
brain functions. Moreover, by getting in touch with the Research Fellow
responsible of the study, you will be informed about the scientific
publications containing the results obtained.
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Where are the Functional Neuroimaging Laboratories?
The LNiF is in Mattarello (Trento), Via delle Regole, 101. For more directions please see our webpage:
http://www.cimec.unitn.it/contact_us.php
When shall I arrive at the Centre?
Before coming to the LNiF you should have been contacted by a researcher to do a preliminary nonmedical telephonic screening and to make an appointment. It is important that volunteers attend at the
time quoted by the Researcher. If you cannot attend at that time for any reason, or are unable to attend
at all, PLEASE let your contact Research Fellow know as soon as possible as we may be able to find
another volunteer to fill that time.
What happens when I arrive at the Laboratory?
Report to the reception desk located inside the main entrance. Give your name and the name of your
contact Researcher who has asked you to attend. Then she/he will be called and will take you to the
scanning waiting area.
What happens next?
Your contact Research Fellow will give a document to read where you will be given a more in-depth
description of all the bits of information contained in the present document.
Moreover, you will be asked to read and sign a consent form. After that, in order to make sure that the
exclusion criteria do not apply to you, a radiologist will ask you some questions filling a questionnaire
which you will both have to then sing. Then:
1. You will be asked to remove any metal objects from your person including keys, coins,
jewellery and watches. You will also need to remove credit cards and travel cards, as
the magnetic field will erase the magnetic strips on these items. Your valuables will
then be locked away for security reasons, and you will be able to keep the keys as they
are a-magnetic.
2. You will be given in depth explanations of the scan format.
3. You will be asked to lie down on a special bed, which moves up and into the tunnel of the
scanner. A special device, called a coil, a open cylinder of around 60 cm diameter will then be
placed over your face. This allows us to obtain the signal from your brain, which creates the
images. On the coil there might be some special glasses that will allow you to see outside the
scanner and us to record the movements of your eyes. You will be asked to stay still with your
head. During the scan you will hear a series of noises and intermittent vibrations. In order to
reduce those noises we will ask you to wear earplugs and/or headphones.
4. For particular studies, you may be asked to press buttons on a keypad, listen to sounds or
spoken words via headphones, view images or films on a projector screen via a mirror box, or
perform a task mentally. You will be explained in great details what you will be asked to do.
5. Finally, you should know that if for any reason you do not feel like carrying on the scan you
have the right to ask to interrupt it without having to give us any explanations.
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A little advice
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Try to reduce how much you drink before the scan that day. You will be in the scanner for some time.
Check with your contact Research Fellow exactly how long the scan will take.
For some of the examinations you may listen to music. If you have any favourite music CDs, then
please bring them.
Wear loose but warm clothing.
Remember to ask your Researcher’s permission to bring a relative or a friend.
What happens after the scan?
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Refreshments will be available.
We will ensure that you have transport to take you home or to the station.
If you came by car you will be safe to drive home.
If you want, ask you’re the e-mail of phone number of your contact Research Fellow in order to
request information about the results of the study.
Please be patient- the amount of information from just one scan is enormous and takes days to
analyse.
Tell your friends and relatives!
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We would like more people to know what we are doing and the importance of what we are trying to
achieve
We rely on public volunteers for participation in research projects.
So, if you have any friends or relatives who might be interested in volunteering for a scan that would like
more information, please give them the e-mail address and/or telephone number that you will find above.
The type of people we are looking for are: FEMALES or MALES over 18
QUESTIONS ????
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERIES PLEASE TELEPHONE:
telefono: 0461 483080
Email: [email protected]
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