Brain and spinal cord MRI changes in adults with cerebral palsy
Evaluation of Brain Changes in Cerebral Palsy Patients
Columbia University · NCT07433647
We will look at past and new brain and spinal cord MRIs to see if adults with cerebral palsy develop brain or spinal cord atrophy over time.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Columbia University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT07433647 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-center, observational project will collect longitudinal clinical MR images from adults with cerebral palsy, using the Cerebral Palsy Research Network to assemble scans from across the United States. Investigators will quantify brain volume, cortical thickness, and spinal cord cross-sectional area on multiple MRIs at least 24 months apart and correlate imaging change with measures of function over time. The analysis focuses on adults aged 18–80 with no other known degenerative neurologic disease, excluding cases with significant head trauma, multiple seizures, or metallic head implants. Retrospective clinical images and prospective scans sent to Columbia will be centrally analyzed for patterns of atrophy or structural change.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–80 with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy who are enrolled in the Cerebral Palsy Research Network and have multiple brain or spinal MRIs spaced at least 24 months apart and no other degenerative neurologic conditions.
Not a fit: People with only a single MRI, known degenerative genetic disorders, multiple seizures, significant prior head trauma, metallic head implants, or under age 18 are unlikely to benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If changes are found, the findings could help explain age-related functional decline in adults with cerebral palsy and guide monitoring or interventions.
How similar studies have performed: Cross-sectional MRI studies have documented white and gray matter abnormalities in cerebral palsy, but longitudinal evidence for progressive atrophy in adults with CP is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Have multiple MRI scans of brain and/or spinal cord spaced at least 24 months apart * Between 18-80 years of age with at least one MRI scan after the age of 18 * No known central or peripheral neurological disease or injury other than cerebral palsy causing brain degeneration * Inclusion in CPRN registry * diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy * \>18 years of age * Have received at least one past brain MRI scan as part of standard care (patients who have two or more brain MRI scans can be included in the retrospective arm only) Exclusion Criteria: * History of more than one seizure in lifetime * History of known degenerative genetic disorder * History of brain tumor, abscess, or multiple sclerosis * History of moderate or severe head trauma * History of metal implants in head
Where this trial is running
New York, New York
- Weinberg Family Cerebral Palsy Center, Columbia University — New York, New York, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jason Carmel, MD, PhD — Columbia University
- Study coordinator: Jason Carmel, MD, PhD
- Email: jbc28@cumc.columbia.edu
- Phone: 212-305-2700
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Cerebral Palsy, Spastic Diplegia, Spastic Quadriplegia, Spastic Hemiplegia, brain volume, cortical thickness, aging