The Scully Center houses a PST MRI simulator for researchers who would benefit from acclimation sessions with their participants (patient populations, pediatric populations). The simulator provides a realistic approximation of an actual MRI scanner to allow acclimation and training in a controlled environment for a fraction of the cost of MRI access. The simulator is equipped with a realistic mock head coil, mechanical bed, speakers, and a library of the MRI scanner sounds to help acclimate the subject to an MR environment.

The simulator is also equipped with a MoTrack motion tracking system to help subjects train to keep their head still during experiments. Visual stimuli can be presented to the subject via a 1080p monitor at the back of the bore, and behavioral data can be recorded using X-Keys response boxes. The simulator is also equipped with an in-bore microphone to record subjects’ verbal responses and headphones for auditory stimuli.

PNI researchers interested in obtaining more detailed information regarding our MRI Simulator should visit our internal Scully Facilities Wiki.