Using advanced MRI to study the spinal cord in progressive multiple sclerosis
Official title: Multimodal, quantitative MRI in the lumbosacral spinal cord in progressive multiple sclerosis
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11074047 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how new MRI techniques can help us see and understand damage in the lower part of the spine for people with progressive multiple sclerosis, which could lead to better treatment options and care for you.
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 start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $466,351 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS136316-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11074047 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis who may benefit from enhanced imaging techniques.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of multiple sclerosis or those without spinal cord involvement may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how advanced MRI techniques can better visualize and assess damage in the lumbosacral spinal cord of patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). By focusing on areas of the spinal cord that are often overlooked by traditional MRI methods, the study aims to identify new imaging biomarkers that correlate with clinical disability. This could lead to improved understanding of disease progression and more informed treatment decisions for patients. The research will involve comparing MRI findings with clinical assessments to validate the effectiveness of these new imaging techniques.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate assessments of disease progression in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis, ultimately improving treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced MRI techniques for assessing spinal cord pathology in multiple sclerosis, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'grady, Kristin Poole — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: O'grady, Kristin Poole
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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.