Sammanfattning
Introduction
The evolution of magnetic resonance imaging
has made possible the implementation
of functional magnetic resonance imaging
(fMRI) of the central nervous system in
order to precisely locate neurological centers
within the brain. The integration of
fMRI examinations with radiotherapy will
allow optimal radiotherapy treatment planning
for patients with intracranial tumors.
The purpose of this study was to assess
tolerance, fatigue and patient comfort
during an fMRI examination on healthy
volunteers prior to piloting it on patients
with intracranial tumors.
Materials and methods
18 healthy volunteers (9 males and 9 female)
participated in the study undergoing
a fMRI examination which consisted of 6
different paradigms using Blood Oxygen
Level Dependent (BOLD) measurements. The
participants were assessed through a questionnaire
following the examination collecting
subjective data on the tolerance, fatigue,
patient comfort and user-friendliness of the
examination.
Results
A total of 108 successful fMRI measurements
were performed within the study (6
per volunteer) with a mean examination time
of 55±4 minutes per measurement. Five
cases of fatigue, two cases of headache and
four cases of numbness were registered. The
participants rated the examination as being
comfortable. They performed the tasks with
ease; use of the fMRI equipment was rated
as being user-friendly. However, 28% of the
participants experienced fatigue related to
the extensive fMRI protocol.
Conclusion
The participants tolerated the procedure well
and did not experience discomfort or pain,
only a few cases of headaches were reported.
Yet, the reported experiences of fatigue
indicate the need to revise and shorten the
fMRI protocol bearing in mind that oncology
patients have a low level of tolerance and
show early signs of fatigue when undertaking
extensive diagnostic and therapeutic
procedures.