Can I be a subject in MEG/EEG?

MEG Compatibility

Since the MEG instrument is sensitive to metal and electrical objects, potential subjects cannot have any of the following:

• Cardiac pacemaker
• Surgical aneurysm clips
• Vagal nerve stimulator
• Other neurostimulator
• Implanted pumps
• Prosthetic heart valve
• Cochlear implant
• Other implanted medical device
• Steel pins from root canals
• Metal fragments in body or eyes
• Metal rods, plates, or screws in body or mouth
• Previous surgery or injury (if metal may have been left in body)
• Braces or permanent retainers
• Tattoos containing metal

The following may be acceptable if the items can be removed:

• Hearing aid (should be removed before scanning for non-auditory task)
• Retainers, dentures, bridges (non-permanent)
• Piercings

We need to be informed if you have had:

• Previous surgery
• Previous head trauma
• Claustrophobia
• Root canal(s)

Please let us know before you come in whether or not you have a permanent retainer bonded to your teeth.  Most standard metal fillings in teeth are not a problem, but do let us know. Keep in mind that most MEG subjects will be asked to return for an MR scan.

On the day of your scan

***Once you've decided that you fit the criteria and have scheduled a scan date and time, you will want to read the following information that will help you prepare for the day of your scan.***

Please arrive on time! There will usually be another group behind us counting on us to finish on time. When you arrive, you can call Maria (x6-6913) or the MEG lab (x6-8517) and we will pick you up at the security desk.

Items you cannot have on you in the Magnetically Shielded Room (where the MEG is housed):

• Any electronic device (cell phone, pager, ID with microchip, WATCH)
• Eye glasses with metal frames or pins
• Hair accessories (metal or non-metal, they will block the helmet)
• Styling products in hair (e.g., gel, hairspray)
• Metal jewelry
• Clothes containing metal (zippers, snaps, buttons, bras with underwires or metal hooks, metallic iron-ons)
• Wallet containing cards with magnetic strips
• Makeup containing metal flakes

If there is any metal in your clothing, we can supply you with pants and a gown that you can wear during the scan.  You will be asked to empty your pockets, and we will place your belonging in a safe and secure location. If you wear glasses and do not have contacts, you will be asked to wear a pair of non-magnetic glasses we have in the lab. Please come knowing your prescription if you think you might have to wear these. Make sure that you have had something to eat and used the restroom before the start of your scan. You will not be able to do either once the scan has begun. Please arrive well rested.

What you may want to bring:

• Hair brush and any other styling products you may need (your hair will be washed if you wear the EEG cap--we do have a blow dryer)
• VHS movie (you can view this while the EEG cap is being fitted to your head)

Entrance to the MEG Lab