1. What is this study about?
We are studying how chronic pain is experienced in the brain. We hope that a better understanding of the neural mechanisms that underlie chronic pain will lead to more treatment avenues. To do this, we use electroencephalography (or EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (or MRI) and an inflatable pressure cuff.
2. I have never had an EEG or MRI, what should I expect?
An EEG involves the application of an EEG cap as well as specialized gel to receive recordings from the brain. The EEG cap is like a swimmer’s cap, except that it has a series of holes with recording electrodes. We will apply the gel to each electrode over the course of 45 minutes to an hour. The gel washes out with shampoo and water, and we give participants the opportunity to wash out their hair following each EEG.
An MRI scanner uses a powerful magnet to image the brain or other parts of the body. In our experiment, participants will be in the MRI for about 1.5 hours. The machine is loud, so participants are given hearing protection. However, participants can communicate with the experimenters during this session using either an intercom or an alarm bell. To ensure safety, all participants and experimenters are screened for hazardous metals before being allowed into the MRI room.
3. What is the inflatable pressure cuff? Is it safe?
During the MRI, we apply a mild pressure pain to the participant's right calf via an inflatable pressure cuff. The cuff is similar to one that would be used to take blood pressure at a doctor's office. During the first visit, we will inflate the cuff at multiple pressures to determine the pressure that will be applied during the MRI scan. Similar to how it will be inflated during the MRI, we will inflate the cuff for 6 minutes to ensure it is comfortable. If at any point during the experiment you find the pressure to uncomfortable, we will lower or turn off the pressure until you are comfortable.
4. How long is the experiment?
The experiment has up to two separate, in-person visits. The first visit includes a initial paperwork, an introduction to the MRI scanner, and the pressure cuff calibration. This visit should take no longer than one hour. The second visit is when the EEG, MRI, and pressure stimulation are conducted. It is spread out over two hours, with one hour of EEG setup and a 1-hour MRI. In total, the first two visits are about 3 hours.
5. How will I be compensated?
Participants are compensated $25 an hour to the nearest half hour in cash for their participation. We offer psychology students 1 SONA credit an hour, for a maximum of 4 credits. A combination of SONA credits and cash compensation is also available. Most participants are compensated $75. If at any point a participant withdraws from the study, they are compensated fully for the time spent during with the experiment.
6. How can I get to FSU?
Visitors to FSU can reach out to us so we can provide you a temporary parking pass to park at the MRI facility. All communications concerning appointments will include directions to our on-campus locations.
7. Who can I contact if I have any other questions?
You can email us at canlab.psych@gmail.com or text us at 850-629-9378.
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