Intrathecal baclofen for children with dystonia due to brain injury
Official title: Intrathecal baclofen and pediatric dystonia.
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11401768 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A physician-led study at Baylor College of Medicine will help determine how ITB therapy affects daily life, comfort, and mobility for children with dystonia and related condition after brain injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $632,281 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD112563-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401768 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children aged 0–11 with CP-associated dystonia and comorbid spasticity due to acquired brain injury who are candidates for ITB therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Some children may not experience meaningful improvement or may have adverse effects from ITB.
What this research studies
This project focuses on children with acquired brain injury and CP-related dystonia who receive intrathecal baclofen through an implanted pump. Researchers will use a standardized dosing approach over 12 months to observe changes in pain, mobility, daily activities, and caregiver burden. The study is an observational cohort, aiming to identify which patients benefit most and how ITB influences quality of life beyond muscle tone alone.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could clarify which children gain the most relief from ITB and improve daily functioning and comfort.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show mixed results on dystonia reduction but improvements in caregiving ease, pain, and mobility in some patients.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thomas, Sruthi Pandipati — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Thomas, Sruthi Pandipati
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Role of THAP1 in brain cell support cells shaping brain development
Aims to understand how the THAP1 protein in oligodendrocyte lineage cells helps shape the brain’s environment and myelination during development, which may relate to a movement disorder called DYT6 dystonia.
-
Leukocyte RNA biomarkers to help diagnose and monitor dystonia
A small study will look for RNA signatures in blood that could help diagnose and track dystonia in people who have the condition.
-
How a dystonia-linked protein affects brain support cells and myelin
This project looks at how the THAP1 protein linked to DYT6 dystonia changes the behavior of brain support cells and the surrounding matrix, which could affect myelination in adults with DYT-THAP1.
-
DYT1 Dystonia: Mouse Models to Understand TorsinA and Brain Circuits
A researcher-led project uses mouse models to explore how a genetic change in DYT1 dystonia affects brain circuits and movement.
-
Dystonia-specific brain signaling pattern in cerebellum
Aims to identify a characteristic pattern of nerve cell activity in the cerebellum that is linked to dystonia, with studies in mice and potential implications for people with the condition.
-
Progressive resistance exercise for cervical dystonia and brain changes
A study will test whether adding progressive resistance exercise to standard care helps people with focal cervical dystonia and explores how the brain adapts.
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.