RecruitingNCT06826287

7T Anatomo-functional Characterization of Structures in the Action Observation Network

More Than Cerebral Cortex: 7T Anatomo-functional Characterization of Cortical, Subcortical, and Cerebellar Structures Involved in THE Network of Action Observation

Sponsor

IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris

Enrollment

40 participants

Start Date

Dec 2, 2024

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Conditions

Brain function Cerebral Palsy

Summary

The goal of this study is to explore the anatomical-functional characteristics of the AON circuit (with particular interest for subcortical areas and the cerebellum), and the cortico-subcortical connectivity of the nodes of the AON circuit, using an ultra-high field (7T), high spatial resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging protocol. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Can we demonstrate the involvement of subcortical areas and cerebellum in the AON circuit in each single-subject? * Can we obtain similar results in a small group of patients with Cerebral Palsy (CP), in order to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach for the study of the mechanisms of AON reorganization, after early brain damage? * Are different patterns of functional activation correlated to different clinical characteristics of CP patients? Participants will perform a 7 Tesla MRI scan, with a functional and anatomical dedicated protocol and will have a comprehensive clinical assessment before the MRI exam.

Eligibility

Min Age: 11 YearsMax Age: 40 Years

Inclusion Criteria6

For CP patients
Patients with pre-, peri- or post-natal brain injury, documented by a previous MRI examination of the brain;
Intellectual development within the norm or within the mild deficit area, to guarantee understanding and cooperation in the 7T fMRI study;
Understanding of the Italian language;
Absence of known neurological and psychiatric pathologies;
Understanding of the Italian language;