Investigation of higher-order cognitive functions during exposure to a high static magnetic field.
OBJECTIVE
To test for potential changes in higher-order cognitive processes related to the exposure to a high static magnetic field.


METHODS
Twenty-four healthy volunteers participated in two experimental sessions inside a 3 Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) magnet. During one session the magnetic field was ramped down. The tasks consisted of six well-established paradigms probing a variety of cognitive functions. Reaction times (RT) and accuracies (AC) were recorded for statistical analysis.


RESULTS
The overall performance was very similar in both sessions. Strong task-specific effects (all P < 0.006) were consistent with previously published results. Direct comparisons of task-specific effects between the two sessions (magnetic field on or off) remained insignificance for all paradigms (RT: all P > 0.196; AC: all P > 0.17; no corrections for multiple comparisons).


CONCLUSIONS
The results did not indicate any apparent safety concerns with respect to cognitive performance in a static magnetic field of a typical whole-body magnet. In addition, comparisons of cognitive effects from testing situations with and without exposure to high static magnetic fields can be considered valid.
Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany. lepsien@cbs.mpg.de
Jöran
J
Lepsien
Karsten
K
Müller
D Yves
DY
von Cramon
Harald E
HE
Möller
D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D060526:Magnetic Fields; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D055815:Young Adult