fMRI Study of tES in Healthy Adults (STU00206920, PI: Amber Leaver, Ph.D. Northwestern University)
Why is this study being done?
This study uses brain scans (MRI) to understand how painless electrical currents applied to the head using a method called “transcranial electrical stimulation” (tES) might change the way the brain works. We hope to use this information to improve tES so that it can be used to treat symptoms of brain conditions like depression, chronic pain, stroke, and others.
What’s involved in this study?
This study involves one 3-hour visit to Northwestern’s Chicago campus. During this visit, you’ll receive tES for ~10 minutes while changes in brain function are measured with functional MRI. You’ll also fill out questionnaires about your health history. You may also choose to have an optional hearing test, which will last approximately 1 hour, for a total time commitment of four hours.
Who can volunteer for this study?
Eligible volunteers will be 18-65 years old, able to have an MRI scan, and have no history of developmental, neurological, or psychiatric disorders.
What does tES feel like?
People describe tES as a light tingling or itching on their skin that is not painful. For most people, this tingling feeling decreases or goes away after ~30 seconds, and some don’t feel tES at all. Remember that we can stop tES right away if you decide to stop for any reason.
I’d like to volunteer for this study. What’s next?
If you’re interested in volunteering for this study, please review our sample consent form and MRI screening form to learn more about the study. (No need to fill them out now.) Then, contact the study team via email or phone to schedule prescreening. During prescreening, we will review questions about your health history over phone or secure website to determine whether you’re eligible for this study. We will also talk more about the study, and answer your questions.
Contact us
inmri at northwestern dot edu
(312) 694 2966