Understanding brain changes related to chronic pain in cerebral palsy
Anatomical and Functional Imaging Correlates of Chronic Pain in Cerebral Palsy
This study looks at how brain changes in people with cerebral palsy are linked to chronic pain and sensory issues to help improve pain management for these patients.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 8 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc. Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Baltimore, Maryland and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05197946 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to identify and characterize the disruption patterns in sensorimotor networks associated with chronic pain and sensory deficits in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). By utilizing existing medical records, subjective reports, and MRI data, the researchers will non-invasively explore the correlation between brain injuries and pain mechanisms. The study seeks to improve the understanding of how anatomical brain changes relate to pain and sensory loss, potentially leading to better precision in diagnosing and managing pain subtypes in CP patients.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 8 and older with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy.
Not a fit: Patients with clinically significant neurologic or developmental diagnoses may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnosis and management strategies for chronic pain in individuals with cerebral palsy.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using MRI to study chronic pain in CP is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding brain mechanisms related to pain in other conditions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Participants with CP (Survey-only): Inclusion Criteria: * Individual 8+ years of age * Diagnosis of cerebral palsy Exclusion Criteria: -None Neurotypical participants: (Survey-only): Inclusion Criteria: * Individual 8+ years of age * Adult subject able to indicate understanding and affirmative consent OR Adult/child subject unable to indicate understanding and affirmative consent AND subject assents AND LAR consents Exclusion Criteria: -Clinically-significant neurologic or developmental diagnosis Participants with CP (Survey and MRI): Inclusion Criteria: * Individual 8+ years of age * Adult subject able to indicate understanding and affirmative consent OR Adult subject unable to indicate understanding and affirmative consent AND subject assents AND LAR consents * Diagnosis of cerebral palsy * Clinical imaging demonstrating isolated periventricular white matter injury * Clinical judgment that all neurologic symptoms are attributable to non-progressive periventricular white matter injury * Able to lie still in scanner for 1.5 hours in at most 2 sessions and be able to have MRI Exclusion Criteria: -None Neurotypical participants (Survey and MRI): Inclusion Criteria: * Individual 8+ years of age * Adult subject able to indicate understanding and affirmative consent * Able to lie still in scanner for 1.5 hours and be able to have MRI Exclusion Criteria: -Clinically-significant neurologic or developmental diagnosis
Where this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland and 3 other locations
- F.M. Kirby Center — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
- Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
- Johns Hopkins Hospital — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
- Kennedy Krieger Institute — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Eric Chin, MD — Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc.
- Study coordinator: Paul Salib, MS
- Email: CPpainStudy@kennedykrieger.org
- Phone: (443) 923-9272
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.