The Brain Imaging Center at Washington University, St. Louis is recruiting children and adults, ages 6 and up, who have experienced a perinatal stroke (a stroke that occurred before, during, or just after birth) to participate in a research study.  Participants will play word games and thinking games while researchers take MRI images of the participant's brain.

Why is this study being done?

We want to figure out how our brains work when we learn language. More specifically, because children who have had strokes are often able to develop their language abilities, we want to understand which regions of the brain in these children contribute to this development and compare this to children who have not experienced a stroke. This understanding will help us figure out how the brain compensates after having a stroke, as well as help us understand why some children do so well, while others continue to have language problems.

What is an MRI and what will the participants do?

A MRI (magnetic resonance imager) is a large magnet. The participant is placed into a large tube that surrounds the body, but is open at both ends, to watch activity in the brain. There is no injection of radiation nor does the MRI use radiation. MRI scanners measure brain anatomy and blood flow using very strong magnets. Measurements of blood flow indirectly tell us what areas of the brain are being used.

Participants will be paid for their help, and all travel expenses will be compensated. If you are interested in learning more or participating in our functional MRI (fMRI) study, please call (314) 362-4154 or e-mail ansleyg@npg.wustl.edu

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