Measuring myelin damage in the brain and spinal cord in multiple sclerosis

Quantitation of myelin damage in optic nerve, brainstem, cervical spinal cord, and corpus-callosum in MS

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · VA SALT LAKE CITY HEALTHCARE SYSTEM · NIH-11073120

This study is looking at how advanced MRI scans can help us see different types of damage in the brains and spinal cords of people with multiple sclerosis, which could lead to better ways to track the disease and improve treatments.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorVA SALT LAKE CITY HEALTHCARE SYSTEM (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11073120 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on using advanced MRI techniques to measure and differentiate myelin damage, axonal injury, and remyelination in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). By employing a novel imaging method called ultrahigh-b Diffusion-Weighted MRI (UHb-DWI), the study aims to improve the accuracy of detecting these changes in the central nervous system. This could lead to better monitoring of disease progression and the effectiveness of potential treatments. The research seeks to enhance our understanding of how MS affects the brain and spinal cord, ultimately benefiting patient care.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who are experiencing symptoms related to myelin damage.

Not a fit: Patients with other neurological disorders unrelated to multiple sclerosis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for patients with multiple sclerosis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research using advanced MRI techniques has shown promise in understanding demyelination and axonal injury in multiple sclerosis, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.