What is Magnetic Source Imaging (MSI) or Magnetoencephalography?
Magnetic Source Imaging (MSI) is a safe, non-invasive, and painless procedure
that provides information about the functioning of the brain.
The MSI scanner non-invasively detects small biomagnetic signals
produced by the brain. The scanner then provides information about
the location of active brain areas that produce these signals.
One of the main advantages of this procedure is that it allows researchers to investigate
how different brain areas interact with each other, enabling a
person to perform complex cognitive functions such as reading
What are the risks of MSI?
There are no known risks associated with magnetic source imaging.
The procedure is a passive recording technique which does not subject
the person to magnetic fields or radiation of any kind.
How do I volunteer to participate in the studies?
If you are interested in participating in the research projects
currently being conducted at the Center for Clinical Neurosciences,
call Selene Dominguez at 713-797-7584. You will be asked a series of short questions to ensure that
you meet the requirements of the study. After learning more about
the research and verifying that you meet the requirements for participation,
you will be placed on a list of available participants or an appointment
will be made, depending on availability.
Is there anything that would prohibit me from participating
in the MEG/MSI study?
The presence of any permanent metal, including dental work (with
the exception of small fillings) on or in the body is prohibited.
In addition, there are specific eligibility requirements for each
study. These will be explained as needed.
Is there anything I should do to prepare for the MSI testing?
On the day of testing, please follow these guidelines:
1. Wear comfortable cotton clothing without metal fasteners (i.e.
cotton sweats.)
2. Shampoo hair, leave it loose, and do not use hairspray, gel or
other hair products.
3. Remove all jewelry and or piercings.
4. No special diet is required.
How much will I be charged for this testing?
There is no charge for the testing and participants are compensated
for their time with the amount
varying according to each study. Parking vouchers are given out to pake for parking
Will I receive test results?
MSI findings are not used to diagnose learning disabilities. These
studies are being conducted to gain an understanding of how the
brain works with respect to different functions. We are still in the
early stages of research and therefore have no meaningful context
in which to place individual findings. If your child undergoes a
neuropsychological evaluation as part of a study, you may receive
a report detailing the findings of the evaluation, depending on the study.
Where is the MEG/MSI Laboratory?
There are two MEG/MSI Labs in the Texas Medical Center. The first
is located on the ground floor of Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Gamma Knife
Department. The second is located in TIRR at 1333 Moursund. Upon
scheduling, you will be assigned to a specific lab and given additional
details such as parking and specific location.
For Hermann Hospital appointments, the most convenient place to
park is in the Texas Medical Center Parking Garage Four at 1406
North MacGregor. For TIRR appointments, the most conventient parking
is located in Garage Six next to TIRR on Moursund Street.
