Introduction: Ultra-high field MRI (UHF MRI) is rapidly becoming an essential part of our toolbox within health care and research studies; therefore, we need to get a deeper understanding of the physiological effects of ultra-high field. This study aims to investigate the cognitive performance of healthy participants in a 7 T (T) MRI environment in connection with subjectively experienced effects.
Methods: We measured cognitive performance before and after a 1-h 7T MRI scanning session using a Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) in 42 subjects. Furthermore, a computer-based survey regarding the subjectively experienced effects in connection with the MRI examination was distributed. Similarly, two DSSTs were also performed by a control group of 40 participants.
Results: Even though dizziness was the strongest sensory perception in connection to the MRI scanning, we did not find any correlation between dizziness and cognitive performance. Whilst the control group improved (p=<0.001) on their second DSST the MRI group showed no significant difference (p=0.741) in the DSST before and after MRI scanning.
Conclusion: Transient effect on cognition after undergoing MRI scanning can't be ruled out as the expected learning effect on the DSST was not observed.
Implications for practice: Increasing understanding of the possible adverse effects may guide operators in performing UHF MRI in a safe way and with person-centered care. Furthermore, it can guide researchers in setting up research protocols to minimize confounding factors in their fMRI studies due to the transient adverse effects of the UHF environment.
Keywords: Cognitive function; Dizziness; Functional MRI; Short-term effect; Static magnetic field; Ultra-high field MRI.
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