Characterization of an Optically Pumped Magnetometer (OPM) Magnetoencephalography (MEG) Array (NCT04950309)
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
Background: Brain activity produces magnetic fields. These fields can be measured outside the head. Existing technology, called MEG, measures these fields. Researchers are testing a new type of magnetic field sensor called OPM. They hope it can help pinpoint with very high accuracy where brain activity is generated. Objective: To develop and test a new type of sensor for measuring the magnetic fields produced by brain activity. Eligibility: Healthy people ages 18-65 who had a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan under protocol 17-M-0181. Design: Participants may be asked to complete sessions on both the traditional MEG instrument and the OPM array. For the MEG, 3 small coils will be placed on the participant s face with tape. Their head will be positioned inside the MEG device. For the OPM, sensors are housed in a 3d printed array. The sensors will be attached to a cap placed on the participant s head. For both scans, participants will be seated in a chair inside a magnetically shielded room. They may complete several tasks. In one task, plastic cells will be placed on their fingers. Puffs of air will be sent to these cells, which will stimulate the sense of touch. Other tasks may include the following stimuli: visual (such as checkerboards), auditory (such as beeps and tones), or language (words and letters). Researchers may also obtain recordings while they stimulate the nerve in the participant s forearm using electrical current in small electrodes. Participation is expected to last for 1 day. Additional optional scans may be offered for up to 1 year....
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: National Institutes of Health Clinical Center — Bethesda, Maryland
Age range: 18 Years to 65 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center — Bethesda, Maryland
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (301) 402-2445
Email: anna.namyst@nih.gov
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
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💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.