|
Project E3: Expert Panel to Explore Feasibility
of Neuro-imaging Studies
Principal Investigator: William Garmoe,
PhD
Funding Source: Neuroscience Research Center
(USAMRMC)
Abstract:
There has been
very little work to date addressing the anatomic substrates of self-awareness in
adults with brain injury. Functional neuro-imaging has become widely used
in research applications, though clinical uses for this technology remains very
limited at this point. The purpose of this project is to consult with
experienced investigators in the area of functional neuro-imaging, with the goal
of determining the feasibility of applying such techniques to self-awareness
studies following brain injury. Consultations will be done on the basis of
individual contacts rather than a convened panel. A written summary of
conclusions that emerge from this project will be prepared, and used to guide
possible future functional neuro-imaging studies.
Progress and Outcomes (2004):
The Principal Investigator (Dr. Garmoe) attended fMRI
workshops at the National Academy of Neuropsychology annual conference in
2003. In addition, he met with Dr.
Frank Hillary, an experienced fMRI researcher (who at the time was at Kessler),
to discuss feasibility of fMRI designs.
Dr. Hillary affirmed the feasibility of fMRI protocols to investigate
self-awareness, and possible collaboration was discussed. In early 2004 Dr. Garmoe initiated
discussion with the director of the functional neuroimaging lab at Georgetown
University (Dr. Zeffiro), who agreed to collaborate on designing studies. Following initial discussions, the
project needed to be put on hold because of the priority of finalizing IRB
approval for project B1 (which has been very lengthy through the Army IRB).
Plan:
Having concluded that the project is feasible, the
plan is to develop a research protocol for functional imaging studies with
subjects from the self-awareness project.
Initial contacts have been made with the neuro-imaging lab at Georgetown
University.
Progress and
Outcomes(2003):
The principal investigator (Dr.
Garmoe) attended an intense, 4-day conference on functional MRI (fMRI) at the
Medical College of Wisconsin, during year one. This experience supported
the conclusion that functional neuro-imaging studies are necessary in the area
of self-awareness, and that little has been done in this area to date.
This experience also taught that the intensity of resources and expertise
necessary to operate a function neuro-imaging lab are not at this point
available within the Medstar medical campus. Thus any studies will need to
be done in consultation with an established laboratory in geographic proximity
to NRH. Discussions with faculty at the course revealed no factors that
would preclude functional neuro-imaging self-awareness studies.
The principal investigator also met with the director of nuclear imaging at the Washington Hospital Center (WHC - a Medstar hospital), to discuss the possible feasibility of brain PET scanning for self-awareness studies. This meeting revealed that, while WHC is very experienced in the use of PET and is open to research protocols, they have little expertise in brain PET studies. In addition, fMRI appears to be a more appropriate functional imaging technique to for self-awareness studies.
At this point the principal investigator will be pursuing contacts within the NIH and possibly Georgetown University, for further consultation. Contacts will also be pursued through upcoming professional conferences, with researchers who are experienced with functional neuro-imaging studies.
If further consultation confirms the potential for functional neuro-imaging self-awareness studies, a proposal for future funding will be developed.
|