Using intrathecal baclofen to treat dystonia in children with cerebral palsy.
Official title: Intrathecal baclofen and pediatric dystonia.
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10882869 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special treatment called intrathecal baclofen can help kids with cerebral palsy who have muscle control issues, aiming to see if it can make their movements easier and improve their daily lives over a year.
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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $680,870 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD112563-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10882869 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and experience dystonia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cerebral palsy or those whose dystonia is not related to brain injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) to manage dystonia in children diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The study aims to understand how ITB can improve muscle control, mobility, and overall quality of life for these children. By using a standardized protocol to adjust the dosage of ITB, researchers will observe its effects over a 12-month period, focusing on children with varying levels of dystonia, spasticity, and pain. The goal is to provide clearer insights into the benefits and limitations of ITB treatment for this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved management of dystonia in children, enhancing their mobility and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown some success with intrathecal baclofen in managing symptoms of dystonia, although this specific approach is designed to address limitations found in earlier research.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Intrathecal baclofen for children with dystonia due to brain injury
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.
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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.
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.