Examining brain function in individuals with spinal cord injury
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cognitive Deficits in the Brain of Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury
This study is testing how spinal cord injuries affect thinking and brain function by comparing MRI scans of people with these injuries to those of healthy individuals.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil Research network |
| Locations | 1 site (Nottwil, Lucerne) |
| Trial ID | NCT06309888 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate cognitive deficits in individuals with spinal cord injury by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The focus is on understanding how thinking difficulties manifest in the brain, which have been largely overlooked in rehabilitation efforts that typically emphasize motor skills. Participants will undergo a single examination lasting between 2 to 2.5 hours, including approximately 55 minutes in the MRI scanner. The study includes both individuals with spinal cord injury and healthy controls to compare cognitive functions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include males and females aged 18 to 60 who are German native speakers and have a diagnosis of traumatic spinal cord injury at least 12 months post-injury.
Not a fit: Patients with contraindications for MRI, other psychiatric or neurological disorders, or insufficient hand function may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of cognitive impairments in spinal cord injury, leading to improved rehabilitation strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While cognitive impairments in spinal cord injury have been noted, this specific approach using MRI to investigate these deficits is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria (with and without spinal cord injury): * Male or Female * Age between 18 and 60 * German native speaker * Normal or corrected-to-normal visual acuity Additional inclusion criteria (spinal cord injury only): * A diagnosis of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) * Time since injury 12 months or longer * American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade A, B, C and D Exclusion criteria (with and without spinal cord injury): * Contraindication for magnetic resonance imaging examinations (e.g., cardiac pacemaker etc.) * Pregnancy * Diagnosis of other psychiatric or neurological disorders (including tumor in the central nervous system) * Alcohol and/or drug abuse * Confirmed diagnosis of traumatic brain injury * Insufficient hand function (not able to hold a pen due to the restricted motor abilities)
Where this trial is running
Nottwil, Lucerne
- Swiss Paraplegic Research — Nottwil, Lucerne, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Giuseppe Zito, Dr.
- Email: giuseppe.zito@paraplegie.ch
- Phone: 0041419395586
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.