Evaluating brain stiffness in patients with high intracranial pressure

Evaluating Raised Intracranial Pressure Using MR Elastography

NA · Mayo Clinic · NCT03096743

This study is testing new ways to measure brain stiffness in people with high pressure inside the skull to see if it can help improve how we diagnose this condition.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMayo Clinic (other)
Locations1 site (Rochester, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT03096743 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess brain elasticity in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension and other conditions causing raised intracranial pressure. Researchers will compare MR elastography measurements with noninvasive methods like optical coherence tomography and MRI to detect elevated pressure. Additionally, the study will investigate the correlation between brain stiffness and lumbar puncture opening pressure, as well as changes in stiffness following various interventions. The goal is to improve diagnostic methods for raised intracranial pressure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with papilledema due to idiopathic intracranial hypertension or other forms of elevated intracranial pressure.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old, pregnant individuals, or those for whom MRI is contraindicated will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate and noninvasive methods for diagnosing and monitoring raised intracranial pressure.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using noninvasive imaging techniques for assessing intracranial pressure, but the specific approach of MR elastography is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
All subjects will have the following inclusion criteria:

* Group 1: Papilledema from idiopathic intracranial hypertension and other forms of elevated intracranial pressure, including obstructive hydrocephalus
* Group 2: Patients without raised intracranial pressure.

All subjects will have the following exclusion criteria:

* Age \<18
* Pregnancy (self-reported)
* Individuals for whom MR is contraindicated

Where this trial is running

Rochester, Minnesota

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

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.