MRI

At the Hong Lab, we are in a unique position to offer comprehensive MRI preparation. This involves practice both at home and once at Stanford. We offer every MRI participant the opportunity to become familiar with the MRI procedures in an educational and relaxing environment. Our complete range of services include the use of an MRI simulator, motion evaluation, feedback technology, and information resources. Learn more about the MRI below!

Preparing at Home

When your participation in the Panda Study is confirmed, you will be sent a package containing a CD with MRI sounds, a video showing the MRI procedure, a book showing the step-by-step procedures, and tips on how to practice. If you have not received these yet, or simply wish to role-play the MRI situation before committing to the study, you can make use of the resources below.

MRI Sounds

The Statue Game

This game was invented to assist you in learning how to keep still while in the MRI. While in the MRI, it is really important that you don't move! This includes all the parts of your body, but most importantly your head. A grade sheet has been provided on this page (see below). Each time you keep still for the time on the grade sheet, you can place a shiny star or color in the empty star spot.

How to play the game:

  1. Put your name on the grade sheet

  2. Lie on the floor on your back

  3. Get a friend/family member to place their finger tips just above your ears

  4. Set a timer for one minute

  5. When the person holding your head says “GO!” you should keep still for one minute

  6. If you kept still for one minute, you can fill in the empty space on the grading sheet and move on to the three minutes and so on

The aim of the game is to keep as still as possible. This means your whole body, from your nose to your toes. If you move, the person holding your head will make a noise. You are allowed one move for the one minute, two moves for three minutes, three moves for five minutes, and five moves for ten minutes.

headmovementscoresheet.jpg

MRI Simulator

As part of your visit, you will have one or more MRI simulator sessions. What is an MRI simulator? It is a twelve-foot pretend scanner without the magnet. Our simulator looks like a real MRI scanner so that you can become familiar with the sights, sounds, and sensations before you have your scan. We will help you further practice lying still during the MRI scan. You can listen to music, hear a story, or watch a video during parts of the simulator training.

We use special monitoring equipment that will automatically interrupt the entertainment for a brief interval so that you will know if you have moved too much during the simulation. This provides immediate feedback to you, reminding you to hold still.

We also play the sounds an MRI makes to approximate what it will sound like during the actual MRI session. We may also ask you to practice playing the fMRI games using the button box while sitting at a computer and while lying in the simulator.

Finally, we have a treasure chest of prizes that you can choose from for practicing with us!

For more information about the MRI and How it works, See the full CIBSR website (Below)

Location

Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research
Room 1356, 401 Quarry Road Stanford, CA 94305

We are at the corner of Quarry and Vineyard, across from The Container Store

 

Other Addresses

Blood Draw:

Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford - 725 Welch Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94304

MRI Center:

The Richard M. Lucas Center for Imaging 3T2 - 1201 Welch Rd, Stanford, CA 94305

Parking

There are several rows of “Pay-to-Park” spots for visitors and patients in front of the building. These are for visits up to 3 hours between 8AM and 4PM Mon. - Fri. (free parking evenings and weekends). The current rate is $2.00 minimum (per hour).

Please note the machines do not give change - exact change or card payment is required. The machines accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.