Pathological Basis of MRI Signal Changes in Multiple Sclerosis

Launched by NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE (NINDS) · Jan 20, 2016

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to increasing disability over time. The researchers want to understand how the symptoms of MS change as the disease progresses. They are looking for adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with MS or a similar condition affecting the brain and spinal cord. Participants will undergo a series of assessments, including neurological exams, walking tests, MRIs of the brain and spinal cord, and measurements of their retina using a special camera.

Participants will visit the research center once a year for follow-up, and they’ll need to agree to donate some of their organs for research after they pass away. This study aims to gather important information that could help improve our understanding of MS and its effects over time. If you or someone you know has MS and is interested in participating, this trial may offer valuable insights into the condition.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• * INCLUSION CRITERIA:
• • Diagnosis of MS according to consensus criteria at the time of enrollment OR diagnosis of a disease that shares clinical, imaging, or biological features with MS OR individuals without known CNS disease.
• • Age greater than or equal to 18.
• • Able to participate in study procedures and provide high-quality clinical research data (for example, prior MRI scans show ability to tolerate the MRI scan with minimal motion artifact).
• • Willing to return to NIH for follow-up visits approximately annually (or every 5 years for non-CNS controls) until the time of autopsy. Note: participants who become too sick to return to NIH will not be removed from the study.
• • Willing to undergo autopsy with donation of at least the brain, spinal cord, and retinas.
• • Able to provide informed consent at the time of initial study enrollment and willing to appoint a Durable Power of Attorney (DPA) if an advanced directive is not already in place.
• • Except for non-CNS controls, simultaneously participating in another screening or natural history protocol within the NINDS Neuroimmunology Clinic at the time of study entry.
• • Eligible NIH employees and staff may participate.
• EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
• • Unwilling to allow sharing and/or use in future studies of coded samples and data that are collected for this study.