Effects of magnetic stray fields from a 7 Tesla MRI scanner on neurocognition: a double-blind randomised crossover study. Issue 10 (27th August 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van Nierop, Lotte E; Slottje, Pauline; van Zandvoort, Martine J E; de Vocht, Frank; Kromhout, Hans
• Is Part Of: Occupational and environmental medicine. Volume 69:Issue 10(2012)
• Page Start: 759
• Page End: 766
• Publication Date: 2012-08-27
• Subjects: MRI -- static magnetic fields -- static magnetic stray fields -- time-varying magnetic fields -- cognition -- exposure -- risk assessment -- electromagnetic fields -- occupational health practice -- exposure assessment -- statistics -- hygiene/occupational hygiene -- epidemiology -- retrospective exposure assessment -- neurobehavioural effects -- longitudinal studies -- exposure monitoring -- bronchitis -- health and safety -- epidemiology; Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; 616.980305
• DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2011-100468
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1351-0711

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: This study characterises neurocognitive domains that are affected by movement-induced time-varying magnetic fields (TVMF) within a static magnetic stray field (SMF) of a 7 Tesla (T) MRI scanner. Methods: Using a double-blind randomised crossover design, 31 healthy volunteers were tested in a sham (0 T), low (0.5 T) and high (1.0 T) SMF exposure condition. Standardised head movements were made before every neurocognitive task to induce TVMF. Results: Of the six tested neurocognitive domains, we demonstrated that attention and concentration were negatively affected when exposed to TVMF within an SMF (varying from 5.0% to 21.1% per Tesla exposure, p<0.05), particular in situations were high working memory performance was required. In addition, visuospatial orientation was affected after exposure (46.7% per Tesla exposure, p=0.05). Conclusion: Neurocognitive functioning is modulated when exposed to movement-induced TVMF within an SMF of a 7 T MRI scanner. Domains that were affected include attention/concentration and visuospatial orientation. Further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms and possible practical safety and health implications of these acute neurocognitive effects.