Examining MRI changes in spinal cord disorders
Official title: MRI-changes in Morphometry and Cerebro Spinale Fluid (CSF) Flow in Spinal Cord Disorders
Run by University of Zurich · NCT02170155 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how changes in the spinal cord and fluid around it can help us understand spinal cord disorders better and improve early diagnosis and treatment for patients.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 350 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Zurich Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zurich, Canton of Zurich) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 2012 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 22, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT02170155 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-80 with cervical spinal injuries.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with other neurological or psychiatric disorders, seizures, MRI incompatibility, or those who are pregnant may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to understand the onset and progression of spinal cord disorders by analyzing structural and dynamic changes in the spinal cord and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using MRI. It will explore the relationships between MRI parameters, clinical disability, and electrophysiology. Additionally, in some patients undergoing decompressive surgery, CSF pressure will be measured perioperatively to investigate correlations between functional limitations, structural changes, and spinal pressure. The goal is to facilitate early diagnosis and therapy to prevent disability progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved early diagnosis and treatment strategies for spinal cord disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While similar studies have explored MRI changes in spinal cord disorders, this specific approach focusing on CSF flow and pressure in relation to structural changes is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Cervical injury * Informed consent * Age 18-80 * CSM Exclusion Criteria: * No other neurologic disorder and psychiatric disorder * Seizure * MRI incompatibility * Pregnancy
Where it's running
-
University of Zurich, Balgrist University Hospital
Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Patrick Freund, PhD
- Email: patrick.freund@balgrist.ch
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Transcutaneous Spinal Stimulation to Boost Exercise in Spinal Cord Injury
Researchers are testing whether a skin-friendly spinal stimulation method can help people with spinal cord injury exercise more effectively.
-
Long-term outcomes after vacuum-induced tamponade for postpartum hemorrhage
This study will look at women who had postpartum hemorrhage treated with vacuum-induced tamponade at a Zurich hospital to see how they fared over time, including future pregnancies and fertility.
-
Add-on Sildenafil Before Exercise in PAH to See if Max Workload Improves
This study tests whether taking 20 mg sildenafil right before exercise helps people with pulmonary arterial hypertension perform more work during cardiopulmonary testing.
-
Fatigue Investigation Using Digital Outcomes
This study tests whether digital monitoring with a smartphone app and wearables can track fatigue in people with MS or long COVID, compared with healthy volunteers.
-
Impact of ambient air vs nasal liquid oxygen on exercise performance in pulmonary vascular disease
This study tests whether using nasal liquid oxygen during a 6-minute walk test changes how far patients with PAH or CTEPH can walk compared to breathing room air.
-
Liquid oxygen vs ambient air during a 6-minute walk in people with pulmonary vascular disease
This study tests whether walking with liquid oxygen at about 4 L/min helps or hinders distance walked compared with walking on room air in adults with PAH or CTEPH living in Switzerland.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.