PET Scan to Map the Areas of the Brain Involved in Planning
Information source: National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)
Information obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov on June 20, 2008
Link to the current ClinicalTrials.gov record.
Condition(s) targeted: Cognition Disorders
Phase: N/A
Status: Completed
Sponsored by: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Summary
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a technique used to investigate the functional activity
of the brain. The PET technique allows doctors to study the normal processes of the brain
(central nervous system) of normal individuals and patients with neurologic illnesses without
physical / structural damage to the brain.
When a region of the brain is active, it uses more fuel in the form of oxygen and sugar
(glucose). As the brain uses more fuel it produces more waste products, carbon dioxide and
water. Blood carries fuel to the brain and waste products away from the brain. As brain
activity increases blood flow to and from the area of activity increases also. Knowing these
facts, researchers can use radioactive water (H215O) and PET scans to observe what areas of
the brain are receiving more blood flow.
This study will attempt to determine the areas of the brain activated by planning processes
and decision making. Researchers will ask patients to participate in tests and games (chess)
that will stimulate the areas of the brain involved with decision making and planning while
undergoing the water PET blood flow technique.
Clinical Details
Official title: Functional Brain Mapping of Planning Activities With [015] Water PET Blood Flow Technique
Study design: N/A
Detailed description:
This protocol will attempt to determine the topographical distribution in the brain of the
cognitive components of planning using the [150] water PET blood flow technique. We will
administer perception, motor, simple decision, and planning tasks using the game of chess and
the Tower of Hanoi Test as paradigms. Utilizing a "subtraction technique" we hope to
identify those areas of cerebral cortex which are most activated by planning processes. It
is predicted that the dorsolateral frontal areas will be most prominently activated. It is
also predicted that the essential components of the planning process will be the same
regardless of the type of plans being executed. The data we collect will be of value in
determining 1) the neural representation of planning processes and 2) in guiding cognitive
models of the planning system.
Eligibility
Minimum age: N/A.
Maximum age: N/A.
Gender(s): Both.
Criteria:
Normal Controls:
Males and female subjects from two age ranges: 18-30 and 50-65 years of age.
Individuals with a history of neurological or psychiatric disorder will not be included nor
will individuals currently taking psychoactive medication.
Patients:
Patients with outstanding problems in planning.
Patients must have a diagnosed CNS disorder with lesion localization verified by MRI
scanning available from the referring physician or completed at the NIH Clinical Center.
Patients with unilateral or bilateral lesions that meet the behavioral criteria for
selection (planning disorder).
Patients will be medication free (or taking medication with no known central nervous system
effects) and be able to understand instructions and task demands.
Locations and Contacts
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
Additional Information
Related publications: Nichelli P, Grafman J, Pietrini P, Alway D, Carton JC, Miletich R. Brain activity in chess playing. Nature. 1994 May 19;369(6477):191. No abstract available. Partiot A, Grafman J, Sadato N, Flitman S, Wild K. Brain activation during script event processing. Neuroreport. 1996 Feb 29;7(3):761-6. Flitman S, O'Grady J, Cooper V, Grafman J. PET imaging of maze processing. Neuropsychologia. 1997 Apr;35(4):409-20.
Starting date: January 1993
Ending date: March 2001
Last updated: March 3, 2008
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