Identifying biomarkers for early diagnosis of motor neuron diseases
Official title: Impairments of Neuro-muscular Communication in Motor-Neuron Disease: A Bio-Marker for Early and Personalised Diagnosis
Run by University of Dublin, Trinity College · NCT05663008 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to find new ways to diagnose motor neuron diseases early by looking at brain and muscle signals in patients to help improve their care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 400 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Dublin, Trinity College Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Dublin, Leinster) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2015 |
| Main results expected | January 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | December 23, 2022 |
| Trial ID | NCT05663008 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with ALS, postpoliomyelitis syndrome, spinal muscular atrophy, or related conditions who can provide informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with active psychiatric diseases or severe neuropathy 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 identify non-invasive neurophysiological biomarkers for early diagnosis and progression monitoring in patients with motor neuron diseases such as ALS, postpoliomyelitis syndrome, and spinal muscular atrophy. By analyzing joint recordings of electroencephalography (EEG) and surface electromyography (sEMG), the study seeks to distinguish between healthy individuals and various patient subgroups. The goal is to enhance personalized diagnosis and improve clinical care through reliable quantitative measures that can facilitate timely entry into clinical trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to earlier and more personalized diagnoses for patients with motor neuron diseases, improving their clinical care.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been various investigations into biomarkers for ALS, this specific approach using combined EEG and sEMG is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Healthy Volunteers: * age and gender-matched to patient groups * the intact physical ability to take part in the experiment. Patients: * Diagnosis of ALS, PLS, PMA, SMA, Polio or MS * capable of providing informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: Healthy Controls: * History of neuromuscular * neurological or active psychiatric disease disease * history of reaction or allergy to recording environments, equipment and the recording gels. Patients: * the presence of active psychiatric disease * any medical condition associated with severe neuropathy (e.g. poorly controlled diabetes). * History of reaction or allergy to recording environments, equipment and the recording gels.
Where it's running
-
Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
Dublin, Leinster, Ireland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Orla Hardiman, BSc MB BCh BAO MD FRCPI FAAN — Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
- Study coordinator: Orla Hardiman, BSc MB BCh BAO MD FRCPI FAAN
- Email: hardimao@tcd.ie
- Phone: +353 1 896 4497
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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.