Diff for "SubjectPreparation" - Meg Wiki
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We routinely use the right and left pre-auricular (RPA, LPA) ans nasion as anatomical landmarks. In order to make sure that data sets are comparable (both within and across studies), we encourage everyone to use the following locations as accurately as possible (the photos are also on display in the MEG preparation room): We routinely use the right and left preauricular (RPA, LPA) points and the nasion as anatomical landmarks. In order to make sure that data sets are comparable across participants (both within and across studies), we encourage everyone to use the following locations as accurately as possible (the photos are also on display in the MEG preparation room):
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'''LPA''':
{{attachment:lpa.JPG||width="25%"}}
'''RPA:'''
{{attachment:rpa.JPG||width="25%"}}
'''Nasion:'''
{{attachment:Nose.JPG||width="25%"}}
'''LPA''': {{attachment:lpa.JPG||width="25%"}} '''RPA:''' {{attachment:rpa.JPG||width="25%"}} '''Nasion:''' {{attachment:Nose.JPG||width="25%"}}

Subject Preparation

Preparation procedures can be done by both researchers and operators. The intention is for researchers to take the lead in this process using operator's help only when required. If you are not sure how to do the preparation, read these guidelines, and ask operators for further coaching. If you actively participate in the preparation, you can use your recording times much more efficiently: e.g., you can already prepare the next subject, when the operator is finishing the previous recording.

If you are also going to record EyeTracking data, you will have to make sure the participant isn't wearing any mascare. Using the eye tracker with the MEG compatible glasses is very difficult and is not recommended. Contact lenses are no problem.

Checks and wires

Subjects need to be free of magnetic materials, like coins, watches and other metal items. Underwired bras can be a problem, and even dyes in clothing or hairdye can cause interference.

Subjects will need to complete a MEG Subject Screening Form, which will prompt them to remove all metal. This form can be downloaded from here: StandardOperatingProcedures

To make sure that a subject is non-magnetic, it is good practise to put them in the MEG machine before any other preparation, and to check the signal for artefacts.

To track head movements volunteers need to have 5 small HPI (Head Position Indicator) coils attached to their head: 2 on the forehead, 2 behind the ears and one on the crown. When using an EEG cap, the HPI coils are attached to the cap. In addition we normally attach 5 electrodes to the face as well to measure eye movements and blinks.

The location of the coils needs to be recorded with a Polhemus 3D digitiser. We also measure 3 landmarks and a number of additional points on the head to indicate headshape and enable easier matching to an MRI structural scan. The digitiser has a pen-like sensor that will record the location of its tip when the button is pressed. Full instructions on how to digitize can be found here: Digitizing.doc

In total, subject preparation should take about 20-30 minutes when no EEG is being recorded, and about an hour when a full EEG cap is being used.

//CbuMeg

The glasses in the picture have an additional sensor attached to them, to register movements of the head and correct for that. Fortunately, they are only used during the 3D recording process.

Seating the subject in the MEG

It is important that subjects are as high in the helmet as possible. Most people will relax during the experiment and often end up in a slightly lower position than initially. It is good practice to allow for a bit of time to seat the subject properly, perhaps try to add or remove one or more pillows and make sure they are as comfortable as possible.

With very small volunteers they might end up being too much to the back, relative to the helmet. This is caused by the fact that the chair is tilted backwards, so will also move to the back when raised. Small volunteers can then end up with their head uncomfortably pushed forward by the helmet. The solution is to move the whole chair forward a bit. Just lift the green handle and carefully pull the chair out for e few cm at a time.

With volunteers that have mobility problems we have to be extra careful.The best thing is to pull the chair out completely when the subject is getting in or out of it. In addition it is important to make sure that the legrests are down, and the chair is raised slightly (about 5-10 cm) to make it easier to get in and out.

Anatomical Landmarks

We routinely use the right and left preauricular (RPA, LPA) points and the nasion as anatomical landmarks. In order to make sure that data sets are comparable across participants (both within and across studies), we encourage everyone to use the following locations as accurately as possible (the photos are also on display in the MEG preparation room):

LPA: lpa.JPG RPA: rpa.JPG Nasion: Nose.JPG

CbuMeg: SubjectPreparation (last edited 2015-03-23 12:34:22 by OlafHauk)