Using ultra-low field MRI to assess brain conditions
Ultra-Low Field (ULF) Point Of Care (POC) MRI System for Study Brain Morphology and Pathology
This study is testing a new type of MRI that uses lower magnetic fields to see if it can better detect brain problems in people of all ages, including those with neurological symptoms.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH |
| Locations | 1 site (Bethesda, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT06203626 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an ultra-low field MRI (ULF-MRI) system in detecting neurological disorders compared to standard MRI techniques. Participants aged 3 years and older, including both healthy individuals and those with neurological symptoms, will undergo two MRI exams: one standard and one ULF-MRI. The study will analyze the sensitivity of ULF-MRI in identifying brain pathologies and will also collect data on participants' social determinants of health. The ultimate goal is to enhance access to neuroimaging and improve early intervention strategies for neurological diseases.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 3 years and older who have neurological symptoms or are healthy volunteers.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions that do not involve neurological disorders or those unable to comply with study procedures may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve access to MRI diagnostics for patients with neurological conditions, particularly those facing barriers to traditional imaging.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of ultra-low field MRI is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in improving access to imaging technologies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA: In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria: * Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study. * Volunteer of any gender, 3 years of age and older. * Adult participant: must be capable of understanding the procedures and requirements of this study and be able and willing to sign an informed consent document. * Minor participant: Must have a parent or guardian capable of understanding the procedures and requirements of this study who are willing to sign an informed parental consent document, and where feasible, the minor age 7 and older provides assent. * Either: * Adult in good general health as evidenced by medical history or * Diagnosed with a stroke, a neurological or neuro-oncological disease, or * Exhibiting symptoms suggestive of neurological or neuro-oncological disease. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study: * Unable to undergo MRI study based on screening (e.g., presence of non-MRI compatible objects). * Pregnancy or lactation, if contrast agent is required.
Where this trial is running
Bethesda, Maryland
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center — Bethesda, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Silvina G Horovitz, Ph.D. — National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
- Study coordinator: Ruli Zhang
- Email: zhangr@ninds.nih.gov
- Phone: (301) 435-6028
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.