Evaluating brain function in multiple sclerosis using advanced imaging techniques
Official title: Patient-Centered Neurological Evaluation of Functional MRI Outcomes in Multiple Sclerosis
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11162601 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how multiple sclerosis affects the spinal cord and brain by using special scans to see how they work together, helping us understand the connection between spinal cord damage and the symptoms you might experience.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $34,295 |
| NIH project number | 1F31NS139573-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11162601 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of multiple sclerosis or those without neurological symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how multiple sclerosis (MS) affects the spinal cord by using functional MRI (fMRI) to assess brain activity and connectivity. It aims to identify the relationship between spinal cord lesions and neurological symptoms in patients with relapsing-remitting MS. By analyzing brain function through advanced imaging techniques, the study seeks to provide insights into the progression of MS and improve diagnostic methods. Patients will undergo fMRI scans to evaluate their brain's functional connectivity and how it relates to their symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for individuals with multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using functional MRI to study brain connectivity in multiple sclerosis, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Witt, Atlee — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Witt, Atlee
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Susceptibility-based MRI biomarkers for multiple sclerosis
A short-term study aims to test MRI biomarkers that could help diagnose and predict MS in patients, using advanced imaging techniques.
-
Mediterranean-style eating and aging in people with multiple sclerosis
This project looks at whether following a Mediterranean-style diet is linked to slower biological aging and less brain shrinkage in people living with multiple sclerosis.
-
Imaging brain energy use in multiple sclerosis with a new imaging method
A new MRI-based method will non-invasively measure how the brain uses glucose and ketones in people with multiple sclerosis.
-
Astrocyte exosomes as aging biomarkers and drivers of MS progression
Researchers are testing a blood-based biomarker from astrocyte-like exosomes to understand why multiple sclerosis gets worse with age and to identify potential targets for treatment.
-
Promoting brain repair in MS with a natural compound that nudges neural stem cells
A researcher is testing a natural-product–based compound that may help people with multiple sclerosis repair nerve damage by guiding brain stem cells to become neurons and myelin-producing cells.
-
Targeted B cell tolerance therapy for multiple sclerosis using Ace-DEX microparticles
A new therapy using tiny biopolymer particles given through the vein aims to retrain B cells to tolerate the immune system in people with multiple sclerosis.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.