Improving MRI techniques to evaluate spinal cord health in multiple sclerosis
Evaluating Advanced Diffusion of the Human Spinal Cord: Application to MS
This study is looking at new MRI techniques to get a clearer picture of the spinal cord in people with multiple sclerosis, helping us understand how the condition affects their nerve health over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11017782 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing two advanced MRI techniques, Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI) and Spherical Means Technique (SMT), to better assess the cervical spinal cord in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). By comparing these new methods to traditional diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), the study aims to provide more accurate insights into neural architecture and axonal loss associated with MS. The research involves both healthy volunteers and patients with relapsing-remitting MS to evaluate changes in spinal cord tissue over time. Ultimately, the goal is to improve the understanding of spinal cord health and its impact on neurological function in MS patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and healthy volunteers for comparison.
Not a fit: Patients with other forms of multiple sclerosis or those without spinal cord involvement may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate assessments of spinal cord health in MS, potentially improving patient management and treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While advanced diffusion MRI techniques are relatively novel, there is growing interest and preliminary success in using similar approaches for evaluating neurological conditions.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Seth a — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Smith, Seth a
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.