How tiny injuries in the brainstem and spinal cord affect symptoms of Chiari malformation and syringomyelia
Microstructural Injury to the Brainstem and Spinal Cord Determines Outcomes in CM and SM
['FUNDING_P01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11182747
Using advanced MRI scans, the team will look for small-scale brainstem and spinal cord injury and abnormal CSF flow in people with Chiari I malformation or syringomyelia to better predict symptoms and recovery after treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11182747 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you take part, you would get advanced MRI scans that measure tiny changes in the brainstem and spinal cord and 4D imaging of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow. The project will compare these imaging measures with patients' symptoms, function, and long-term outcomes. Researchers will also look at how CSF flow and microstructural injury change after neurosurgery when patients undergo standard surgical care. The goal is to link the imaging findings with who improves, who stays the same, and who may need different treatment options.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with Chiari type I malformation, with or without syringomyelia, especially those having symptoms or being considered for neurosurgical treatment, would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without Chiari I malformation or whose symptoms are caused by other unrelated conditions are unlikely to get direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help predict who will benefit from surgery and guide more personalized treatment to reduce symptoms and long-term problems.
How similar studies have performed: Previous MRI and CSF-flow studies have suggested links between CSF dynamics and symptoms in Chiari, but the specific microstructural MRI measures and 4D flow approaches used here are relatively new and not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: STRAHLE, JENNIFER — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: STRAHLE, JENNIFER
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 below.