Identifying biomarkers for early diagnosis of motor neuron diseases
Impairments of Neuro-muscular Communication in Motor-Neuron Disease: A Bio-Marker for Early and Personalised Diagnosis
University of Dublin, Trinity College · NCT05663008
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 |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 400 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Dublin, Trinity College (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Dublin, Leinster) |
| Trial ID | NCT05663008 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with ALS, postpoliomyelitis syndrome, spinal muscular atrophy, or related conditions who can provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients with active psychiatric diseases or severe neuropathy may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Dublin, Leinster
- 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
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: ALS, Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, EEG, Corticomuscular coherence, Biomarkers, Electrophysiology, Neuromuscular disease