Design of a head-support device for a novel head-only MRI scanner

Abstract

This study reports on the development of a user-adjustable head support device for a head-only MRI scanner with a seated patient. To avoid motion artifacts in head MRI, patients must move <1 ​mm during a typical 120 ​s image acquisition, often necessitating head-support devices. Previous studies have investigated user-adjustable head support for MRI when lying supine and patient-specific head support for seated MEG. A formative evaluation process was used with 22 participants in total across three phases: (1) determination of head support points whilst seated; (2) testing a simple inflatable bladder to provide head support; (3) evaluation of two fully resolved inflatable prototypes. Compared to an unsupported head, the final inflatable designs reduce positional diffusivity and drift over 120 ​s intervals by a factor of 2. The final two prototypes give acceptable user experience but require further refinement to fully minimise head movement. This research is applicable for any seated diagnostic imaging application where head motion must be minimized.