Neuroimaging Research in ALS at the
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a tool that can be used to examine the central nervous system. We are using several advanced MRI techniques to study the structural, chemical, and functional changes in the brain in ALS. These techniques include Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS), Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). These studies will improve our understanding of ALS. We are also developing and evaluating these techniques as tools to assist in making the diagnosis of ALS more efficiently and to evaluate new drug therapies in a more timely manner.
Brain imaging research is being conducted at the Peter S. Allen MR Research Centre. Standard field (1.5 tesla) and high field (3.0 and 4.7 tesla) scanners are being used.
** We are accepting healthy subjects and people with ALS for participation in these studies. **
The minimum criteria to be eligible are that you be able to lie inside an MRI machine for approximately 60 minutes and that you do not have a pacemaker.
These studies are under the direction of Dr. Sanjay Kalra.
For more information please contact Ramnik Sekhon at (780) 407-2944 or rsekhon@ualberta.ca.