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The MRI simulator (Psychology Software Tools Inc.) consists of a twelve-foot mock scanner with six-foot tapered bore, motorized table, head coil, head stabilizer system, visual and auditory presentation systems, and equipment for monitoring subject responses to training procedures. Two speakers are placed within the bore to deliver sounds of the real MRI for the subject. In the MRI preparation unit, we help train you or your child to lie still during the MRI scan. This training included computer-assisted measurements and feedback. We can measure head movement accurately to within 0.5mm/sec. During the scan, the subject is able to listen to music, hear a story or watch a videotape during the training, and this entertainment serves as both distraction and immediate reinforcement for inhibiting movement. That is, if the child exceeds a pre-set movement criterion, the entertainment is automatically interrupted for a brief interval to provide both immediate feedback and contingent consequences for motion. The entertainment resumes when movement is inhibited below the established criterion. The movement criterion can be adjusted according to the child's current ability and gradually made more stringent as training progresses, usually to a 1mm criterion.  The MRI Preparation Unit is situated at 701 Quarry, Room 2220 Behavioral analysis techniques are used to reduce any fear or anxiety to the imaging equipment and procedures. In brief, this process involves carefully controlling the scanner, as well as gradually exposing subjects to the equipment, personnel, and sensations durring scanning. A professional will be on hand to help with any children exhibiting difficulty with the MRI procedures. Prizes are also awarded at the end of each training session. This acts as a direct reward for the participants efforts. This reward includes sweets, toys, and even a small amount of money. Based upon the child's interests, a larger, tailor-fitted reward will be awarded at the end of the real MRI scan, thus, acting a long-term goal for the child. In addition to the prizes, each child that completes the MRI simulation is given a certificate of completion. Another aim of the MRI preparation unit is to convey information to the subject in a non-technical and non-threatening way, and provide an educational as well as pleasant environment for the participant. This includes posters, leaflets and other resources. In our lab, all of the subjects participating in neuroimaging studies will go through a scanning preparation session before having an MRI scan. As we conduct more MRI preparation sessions on different populations, we will modify behavioral protocols to be commensurate with child's level of functioning. If you click on the icon below, you can download the user manual. This will help you become familiar with the procedures we use: MRI Prep User Manual (438k PDF File) If you wish to schedule a time, please see the MRI Prep Calendar. If you have any problems please contact: dmobbs@stanford.edu. If you wish to discuss any information in relation to the simulator or our research in general, please go to our discussion room: http://www-med.stanford.edu/cap/discus/
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