Visualization of Neural Targets With 3T MRI

Launched by UNIVERSITY HEALTH NETWORK, TORONTO · Dec 14, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how to improve brain imaging for patients with neuro-degenerative diseases who are preparing for certain types of brain surgeries. The researchers are using a special MRI machine that offers clearer and more detailed images of the brain to help doctors target areas that need treatment more accurately. By comparing the images of patients with healthy individuals, the goal is to find the best ways to visualize important brain structures involved in surgeries like deep brain stimulation and other procedures.

To participate in this study, individuals need to be between 18 and 85 years old and scheduled for a functional neurosurgery at Toronto Western Hospital. They must be able to understand the study’s purpose and give their consent, but they will not receive any direct benefits from the research. However, individuals with certain medical conditions that prevent them from having an MRI, or those who have significant cognitive or communication difficulties, cannot participate. If you qualify, you can expect to undergo an MRI scan that will help improve the understanding of brain functions and enhance future treatment options.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age between 18 and 85 years of age.
• • Preparing to undergo a functional neurosurgical intervention (e.g., DBS, RFA, GKR or MRgFUS) at TWH (not applicable for healthy volunteers).
• • Participants must be able to understand the purpose of this research and must sign the informed consent form.
• • Participants must understand that the role of this research is to enhance our understanding of brain functioning and that he/she will not directly or indirectly benefit from the study.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Contraindication for an MRI (e.g., implanted cardiac device, metal in eyes, aneurysm clip, etc.).
• • Participants who have serious cognitive or psychological impairments and cannot give informed consent.
• • Participants who are unable to communicate effectively or efficiently (e.g., patients suffering from speech deficits (dysarthria, aphasia) or are non-English speaking).