FMRI study of normal language development in children
What is the purpose of this study?
To collect Magnetic Resonance Images (MRIs) in healthy children in order to study normal development of language within the brain.
Who will be included?
Children ages 5 through 18 with no known history of prematurity, hyperactivity, seizures, speech or learning problems and have no family history of genetic, neurological or psychiatric illnesses. Participants must be within the average range for height, weight and IQ, cannot have any metal implants or braces and must also be able to tolerate the MRI without being sedated.
What is Involved?
This study involves two visits. Eligible children will have a brief neurological exam, be weighed and measured and will watch a video that reviews the MRI process. Parents will be given a consent form that thoroughly explains the details of the study. After the parent has signed the consent form and participants have given their verbal approval, an MRI technician will explain what will happen during the MRI. The entire MRI process will take 1.5-2 hours to complete. The scan itself will last approximately one hour. During the scan the participant will be asked to perform language, motor, and visual tasks. Communication will occur via headphones and the children observed with a video monitor. Participants are constantly monitored and may discontinue at anytime.
After the MRI is completed, a second visit will be scheduled for the participant to come back to participate in different types of tests. These tests will measure intelligence, neuropsychological language, motor function, and visual perceptabilities and will take approximately two hours. When the testing is completed a doctor will review the results and then send them to the parents.
What are the Benefits?
Benefits of this study include receiving a thorough neuropsychological evaluation and an MRI brain scan. However, the biggest benefit of participating in this study is that your child is helping other children. Clinical studies are essential in finding new and improved treatments and diagnostic tools. Your child may receive no direct benefit from participating in this study.
What are the Risks?
Some discomfort may occur due to noise produced by the MRI scanner. Earplugs will be provided to minimize the noise level. Subjects who have a fear of small places will not be included in the study. Other than these types of discomforts there are no known risks associated with MRIs.
What is the compensation?
Participants will receive $40 for their time and travel at each visit.
Who should I contact for more information?
Contact the Imaging Research Center at 513-636-7230.
