FMRI of Pediatric Cochlear Implant Candidates

描述（由申请人提供）：本R21提案描述了一种可行性 神经科学技术发展基金资助的研究 项目（PA-98-050）。该提案概述了三个必要的目标 开发功能性磁共振成像技术， 用于评估小儿人工耳蜗植入候选人。FMRI是一种 相对较新和高度复杂的技术，可以提供一个窗口， 进入正常运作的人脑髋关节植入术也是一种尖端技术 与功能磁共振成像技术处于大致相同的发展阶段。整合 这些技术带来了挑战。成功整合这些 技术在非常年幼的儿童是一个艰巨的命题，但提供了 对人类耳聋、皮质可塑性、大脑的新认识的机会 发展和连通性。 该提案有三个简单的目标，这构成了必要的初步目标。 儿童耳蜗功能磁共振成像技术的发展 植入候选人。我们的目标是：1）确定听觉皮层活动是否 可以通过声音刺激的fMRI在镇静的幼儿和年轻人中观察到 听力正常的儿童; 2）证明听觉皮层活动 可以通过使用声音刺激的fMRI在顺从的较大儿童中观察到 严重到严重的感觉神经性听力损失; 3）进行fMRI， 听觉刺激在严重至极重度听力受损幼儿中的应用， 儿童镇静剂。 这些目标定义了一个逻辑过程，以建立功能磁共振成像可以用于 成功地在儿童人工耳蜗植入候选人，其中许多人是非常 年轻如果这项可行性研究成功， 需要开发应用功能性神经科学技术 重度至极重度听力障碍幼儿和青少年的神经影像学 孩子这个项目也将更清楚地定义功能磁共振成像的潜在作用 人工耳蜗植入患者的选择和管理。最 这个项目的乐观结果是，功能磁共振成像可以用来预测 未来受益于儿童人工耳蜗植入。如果不能达到这个高度 目标，这个项目肯定会实现既定的目的， 支持神经科学技术开发计划（PA-98-050） “将对现有技术进行重大改进的研究 对神经科学和研究很重要， 为未来的技术打下基础， 重要的神经科学研究问题。"

DESCRIPTION (Provided by Applicant): This R21 proposal describes a feasibility study targeted for funding under the Neurosciences Technology Development program (PA-98-050) through NICHD. The proposal outlines three aims necessary to develop functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology as a tool for evaluation of pediatric candidates for cochlear implantation. FMRI is a relatively new and highly sophisticated technology, which can provide a window into the functional human brain. Cochlear implantation is also a cutting edge technology in approximately the same development phase as fMRI. The integration of these technologies presents a challenge. Successful integration of these technologies in very young children is a formidable proposition but offers the opportunity for new understanding of human deafness, cortical plasticity, brain development and connectivity. The proposal has three simple aims, which constitute the necessary preliminary steps toward development of fMRI technology for use in pediatric cochlear implant candidates. We aim to: 1) Determine whether auditory cortical activity can be observed with fMRI with sound stimulation in sedated toddlers and young children with normal hearing; 2) Demonstrate that auditory cortical activity can be observed with fMRI using sound stimulation in compliant older children with severe to profound, sensorineutral hearling loss; and 3) Perform fMRI of auditory stimulation in severely to profoundly hearing impaired toddlers and young children under sedation. These aims define a logical course toward establishing that fMRI can be used successfully in pediatric cochlear implant candidates, many of whom are very young. If this feasibility study is successful, it will provide essential data needed to develop the neuroscience technology required to apply functional neuroimaging in severely to profoundly hearing impared toddlers and young children. This project will also more clearly define the potential role of fMRI in the selection and management of cochlear implant patients. The most optimistic outcome of this project would be that fMRI could be used to predict future benefit from a cochlear implant in a child. Short of achieving this high goal, this project will certainly accomplish the stated purpose of the Neurosciences Technology Development program (PA-98-050) of supporting "research that will develop significant enhancements to existing technologies important to neuroscience and research that will translate a scientific concept into the basis for a future technology that may advance understanding of important neuroscience research problems."