Understanding CNS Changes After Spinal Cord Injury
Functional, Structural, and Metabolic Central Nervous System Changes Following Damage of the Central Nervous System
This study looks at how the brain and nervous system change after a spinal cord injury to see if these changes can help predict recovery and understand symptoms better.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 450 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Zurich Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zurich) |
| Trial ID | NCT03772548 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate the structural and functional changes in the central nervous system following spinal cord injury (SCI). It will compare these changes in SCI patients to healthy controls, focusing on both macroscopic and microscopic alterations. The study will utilize MRI to identify biomarkers that predict neurological outcomes and assess how various factors influence patients' symptoms. Additionally, it will combine fMRI with behavioral testing to explore the determinants of functional hand representations in the brain after sensory input loss.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-75 with either traumatic or non-traumatic spinal cord injuries, ranging from acute to chronic stages.
Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to MRI, significant neurological impairments unrelated to spinal cord injury, or those who are pregnant may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of spinal cord injuries, potentially enhancing recovery strategies for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While this study explores a specific aspect of CNS changes post-SCI, similar studies have shown promise in understanding neurological recovery, indicating potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria - Patients: * Age 18-75 * Traumatic or non-traumatic spinal cord injury (para- and tetraplegia) * Acute (\<4 weeks post SCI) to chronic SCI (\> 6 months post SCI) * Signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria - Patients: * Contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging * Neurological impairment of body function impairments not induced by spinal cord injury * BMI \> 40 * Pregnancy * Claustrophobia Inclusion Criteria - Healthy subjects: * Age 18-75 * Signed Informed consent Exclusion Criteria - Healthy subjects: * Contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging * Pregnancy * Neurological illness * Impairment of body function induced by a spinal cord injury * Claustrophobia * BMI \> 40
Where this trial is running
Zurich
- Universitätsklinik Balgrist — Zurich, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Patrick Freund, Prof. Dr. — University of Zurich
- Study coordinator: Maryam Seif, PD Dr.
- Email: maryam.seif@balgrist.ch
- Phone: +41 44 510 72 14
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.