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Influence of diazepam on clinically designed FMRI
Mattias Ragnehed1, Irene Håkansson, Maritha Nilsson
1Department of Neuroscience and Locomotion, the Center for Medical Imaging and Visualization, Linköping University, Sweden. matra@imv.liu.se
The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences
|April 14, 2007
Summary
Diazepam did not significantly affect functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) results in motor, word generation, or working memory tasks. This suggests diazepam is safe for premedication before fMRI scans.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Pharmacology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a key tool for studying brain activity.
- The influence of common medications like diazepam on fMRI outcomes requires clarification.
- Understanding drug effects is crucial for accurate interpretation of fMRI data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of diazepam on brain activation patterns during fMRI.
- To determine if diazepam affects measures like activated voxels and laterality index.
- To assess diazepam's suitability as a premedication agent for fMRI.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study design was employed.
- Twenty healthy volunteers underwent fMRI scans twice, receiving either placebo or 5 mg diazepam.
- Functional tasks included motor, word generation, and working memory tests.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in activated voxels or laterality index were found between diazepam and placebo conditions.
- A significant decrease in activated voxels was observed between the first and second sessions for motor and working memory tasks, irrespective of diazepam.
- These session-dependent changes suggest a learning or practice effect.
Conclusions:
- Diazepam administration does not appear to alter core fMRI measures relevant to cognitive and motor tasks.
- The findings support the use of diazepam as a premedication in fMRI studies.
- Further research could explore long-term effects or different dosages.
