Cortical Metrics Diagnostic

What can we learn from this test?

The diagnostic test that you will be taking provides useful baseline data that clinicians can use to evaluate the health of patients' central nervous systems.

Is this a painful test?

No. The only thing that you will feel is a gentle vibration on either the back of your hand or your fingertips.

How does it work?

The CM-1 delivers gentle vibrations to the hand. After attending to the vibrations, you will be asked to follow the on-screen instructions and answer a series of simple questions. This process will repeat several times and based on your responses, a performance value can be obtained.

Does it matter if I guess?

Try to answer the questions as best as you can. The test takes into account a certain amount of guessing.

How long does it take?

Most people take 3-4 minutes to complete each test.

How does this test indicate what is going on in my brain?

The region of cortex that is selectively activated by skin stimulation is called the somatosensory cortex. As all regions in the cerebral cortex (which comprises most of the brain) are organized in the same fashion, any systemic cortical change will alter the way the part of the cortex that is activated by skin stimulation responds.

Why haven't I seen this diagnostic device anywhere else?

This is a state-of-the-art diagnostic device designed explicitly for testing cortical function, and you will only find it at the University of North Carolina or in a research study that is in collaboration with UNC.