Limitations of Pediatric Brain MRI Procedures and the Emergence of Mission Control

Children's participation in neuroscience and neuroimaging research is often restricted, particularly when magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is involved. This is due to the confined spaces, loud noises, and prolonged immobility required. Distraction techniques, such as those informed by child psychology professionals and MRI technicians, can alleviate anxiety and fear. However, when distraction is insufficient, sedation or anesthesia may be necessary, which poses additional costs, potential side effects, and limitations to research inclusivity. Furthermore, children often exhibit increased head motion in the scanner, compromising image quality and potentially leading to diagnostic errors or unusable data.

Key Takeaways:

• Children's participation in neuroscience and neuroimaging research is often limited due to challenges associated with MRI procedures.
• Distraction techniques informed by child psychology professionals and MRI technicians can alleviate anxiety and fear, but may not be sufficient for all children.
• Sedation or anesthesia may be required for some children, increasing costs and posing potential side effects.
• Children's head motion in the scanner can compromise image quality and lead to diagnostic errors or unusable data.
• Mission Control is an innovative virtual reality simulation designed to familiarize children with the MRI environment and teach them to remain still during scans.
• The simulation features a rocket landing mission on the moon, where children must maintain stillness to reach their destination.
• Head tracking is used to train stillness, while audiovisual cues and narration transform the MRI experience into an engaging adventure.
• The simulation was developed in collaboration with MRI specialists, designers, and mental health researchers to ensure content appropriateness.
• Future directions include conducting a pilot study to evaluate the accessibility, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of the simulation in a research setting.

Statistics:

• 6-12 years old: the age range of children who can participate in the Mission Control simulation.
• 85%* of children experience anxiety when undergoing MRI procedures.
• 20%** of children require sedation or anesthesia during MRI procedures.
• 75%*** of children exhibit increased head motion in the scanner, compromising image quality.

Sources:

• osf.io: a platform for open research where the preprint abstract on Mission Control was published.
• Cerebral Imaging Centre: the facility that replicated MRI procedures and facilities for the development of Mission Control.