Neurological Associates of West Los Angeles
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, de…
Inclusion Criteria: In order for a subject to be considered for this study, the following criteria are required: * The subject is between the ages of 18-65 years old. * The subject clinically needs an advanced MRI * The subject has consented for his/her self. * The subject is fluent in the English language. * The subject is proficient in comprehending verbal and written English. Exclusion Criteria: In order for a subject to be considered for this study, he/she may NOT have any of the following items which cannot be removed prior to the MRI exam. A subject who can remove any of the followin…