Neurological Syndrome

Researchers are investigating the relationship between functional measures of balance and gait and objective kinetic and kinematic parameters in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This cross-sectional observational study aims to understand how biomechanical gait and balance data collected through the Vicon motion analysis system relate to clinical assessments of balance, gait, and physical performance. The study seeks to identify which biomechanical factors are most closely linked to functional abilities and mobility challenges in MS. Participants will attend a single laboratory session where they will undergo biomechanical analysis of balance and gait using the Vicon motion capture system. They will also complete standardized functional tests including the Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test, Functional Gait Assessment, Short Physical Performance Battery, and a 2-Minute Walk Test. Additionally, they will fill out questionnaires assessing fear of falling and fatigue and have their lower-limb spasticity evaluated with the modified Ashworth Scale. During the session, which takes about 40 minutes for the primary kinetic and kinematic analysis and additional time for functional assessments, researchers will collect detailed movement data alongside clinical measures. This data will be analyzed to explore correlations between biomechanical parameters and functional outcomes. The study includes assessments of postural control, gait performance, physical endurance, fatigue, and spasticity. The findings aim to improve understanding of movement impairments in MS and support better clinical assessments and rehabilitation approaches.

Researchers are evaluating the use of 64Cu-DOTATATE PET/CT/MRI imaging to improve diagnosis and monitoring of Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB), a tick-borne infection affecting the nervous system. This study aims to compare patients clinically suspected and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) verified with LNB against those suspected without CSF verification. The goal is to see if this imaging technique can provide more precise diagnosis, prognostic information, and risk assessment for lingering symptoms after treatment. The study involves 50 patients divided into two groups: 25 with possible or confirmed neuroborreliosis and 25 investigated but with normal CSF results. Participants will undergo 64Cu-DOTATATE PET/CT/MRI scans, which target activated macrophages involved in infection. This non-invasive imaging method is being assessed for its diagnostic value and ability to support follow-up six months after treatment, alongside blood biomarker testing including sCD163, NfL, and Tau. During the study, participants will have PET/CT/MRI scans to measure tracer uptake in the central nervous system and reference organs. Clinical symptoms, laboratory markers, and imaging results will be tracked to evaluate disease activity and prognosis. The primary outcomes focus on diagnostic performance over 2.5 years, with secondary measures also assessed. The study monitors patients without interventions beyond imaging and biomarker collection, lasting from initial evaluation through follow-up visits.

Researchers are studying the brain's action observation network (AON), which is involved in understanding and imitating movements, especially focusing on subcortical areas and the cerebellum. The study aims to explore how this network functions in healthy individuals and in people with Cerebral Palsy (CP) who have early brain injuries. This research seeks to understand differences in brain activation patterns and their relation to clinical features in CP patients using advanced imaging techniques. Participants will undergo a 7 Tesla MRI scan using a high-resolution functional and anatomical protocol. The MRI will capture detailed images of brain structures including the cerebral cortex, subcortical nuclei, and cerebellum. Visual tasks involving observation of hand movements and tool use will be presented during the scan. CP patients will also receive a full clinical assessment before the MRI. The study includes both healthy volunteers and CP patients, with careful monitoring of participant compliance to avoid motion artifacts. During the study, researchers will evaluate brain activation and connectivity maps of the AON from the 7T MRI data. Participants' motor functions and clinical characteristics will be assessed for correlation with imaging results. The study involves observation during MRI scanning, clinical assessments, and monitoring of participants' responses to visual stimuli. This trial is expected to provide detailed insights into brain network organization and its changes in CP. The total participation includes MRI scanning and clinical evaluations around a single visit.

Researchers are evaluating the potential effects of a 3-day course called the Lightning Process (LP) for adults with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). CFS/ME is a serious condition causing heavy symptoms, low function, and significant impact on work and social life. The study aims to explore both positive and negative effects on symptoms, disability, quality of life, and long-term work participation, addressing a challenging health and societal problem in Norway. The study randomly assigns about 100 adults with CFS/ME to either participate in the 3-day LP course or receive treatment as usual initially. The LP course includes teaching on stress theory, Positive Psychology, and techniques to regulate thoughts, feelings, and behavior to influence physiology positively. Those initially on the waiting list receive the LP course after 10 weeks. Adverse events during or after the course are monitored and managed according to protocol. Participants will be followed up with assessments including physical function at 10 weeks after the course and fatigue, pain, post-exertional malaise, mental wellbeing, overall improvement at 6 months. Work participation and sick leave are tracked at 24 months. The study involves questionnaires and evaluations to measure these outcomes, aiming to provide evidence-based knowledge for better CFS/ME care. The study runs until December 2028.

Researchers are conducting the GENESIS clinical study to map the HLA genomic region in the Greek population and explore its possible links with various underlying diseases. This non-interventional, multicenter study aims to provide a pilot map of genetic variation in HLA that may be useful in medical research and clinical applications related to selected diseases. The study plans to include 12,000 participants over a total duration of 36 months. Each participant will attend one visit at a participating site during which they will provide demographic data, lifestyle information such as smoking and alcohol use, blood pressure measurements, details on diagnosed diseases and treatments, and recent laboratory test results if available. Buccal swab samples will be collected from each participant to extract DNA for HLA genotyping analysis. Selected samples will undergo further whole genome sequencing to investigate associations with autoimmune diseases. Participants will receive a personalized ancestry report after analysis completion. During the study visit, data collection includes demographic and health information, as well as laboratory and clinical test results from the past year. The genetic material from buccal swabs will be stored and processed for genetic analysis. Researchers will measure allele frequency of HLA alleles in the Greek population and assess the prevalence and risk associations of selected HLA-related diseases. The study's total duration is 36 months with results available at the end of this period.

Researchers are establishing a prospective group of patients with plasma cell disorders (PCDs) to better understand these conditions and their treatments. This study focuses on various PCDs including multiple myeloma, amyloidosis, and other related disorders. It aims to explore how minimal residual disease (MRD) status relates to patient prognosis and investigate the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the disease's development and progression. Patients with confirmed PCDs who are hospitalized and willing to participate will be followed over time. Biological samples such as peripheral blood, bone marrow aspirate, and urine will be collected before and after treatment to support future research. The study does not involve any intervention and participants will be regularly assessed at baseline, then at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment, followed by yearly visits. During the study, clinical and laboratory data along with biological samples will be gathered to analyze disease features and treatment responses. Follow-up visits will monitor patient progress and outcomes for up to ten years. The main outcome is to maintain a comprehensive cohort and understand the relationship between MRD and prognosis in PCD patients, while also supporting further studies on tumor clone evolution and disease mechanisms.

Researchers are investigating the maximum safe dose of Levetiracetam (LEV) for treating seizures in newborns. This Phase IIb study focuses on infants with mild to moderate neonatal seizures, hypothesizing that the optimal dose is higher than the current 60 mg/kg. The research also explores LEV's safety, tolerability, and its effectiveness compared to the standard treatment, Phenobarbital (PHB). Participants initially receive 60 mg/kg of LEV. If seizures continue after 15 minutes, they may be randomly assigned to receive either higher doses of LEV (in increments up to 150 mg/kg total) or PHB treatment at 20-40 mg/kg. The study uses continuous video EEG monitoring to measure seizure activity and evaluate the treatments. The trial includes multiple phases and dose escalation to ensure safety and gather efficacy data. During the study, infants will undergo continuous EEG monitoring to assess seizure burden over 24 hours, with neurophysiologists reviewing the data. Researchers will track LEV blood levels, adverse events, seizure reduction, and long-term outcomes up to 8 years. The study also evaluates a seizure detection technology. Participation involves treatment administration, monitoring, and follow-up to assess safety and seizure control.

Researchers are investigating the effects of two different doses of bevifibatide citrate injection for patients who have had an acute ischemic stroke without large or medium-sized vessel blockage. This phase 2, single-center, randomized, double-blind trial aims to find a dose that improves neurological outcomes 90 days after stroke while minimizing the risk of symptomatic brain bleeding and serious side effects. The trial will provide important information to guide future larger studies on dosing. Participants receive bevifibatide citrate injection through an intravenous bolus of 220 mcg/kg over 1 to 2 minutes, followed by a continuous intravenous infusion for 24 hours. Two groups receive different maintenance infusion rates: one at 2.5 mcg/kg/min and the other at 2.0 mcg/kg/min. After the infusion and if imaging within 48 hours shows no significant brain bleeding, patients will take aspirin and clopidogrel tablets daily until day 90. Patients are also managed according to current stroke care guidelines, including possible use of low molecular weight heparin for blood clot prevention. During the study, participants will have neurological assessments using the modified Rankin Scale and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale at various time points up to 90 days. Brain scans will monitor for bleeding within 48 hours. Researchers will track adverse events, mortality, platelet aggregation inhibition, and quality of life. Follow-up lasts 90 days after treatment to evaluate both safety and neurological recovery. The total participation duration covers initial treatment and multiple assessments over this period.

Adults with cerebral palsy (CP) often face difficulties in accessing exercise programs tailored to their needs due to limited mobility, lack of suitable options, and restricted physiotherapy access. Regular exercise is important for improving physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life, but many adults with CP do not have structured opportunities for physical activity. This research aims to evaluate the feasibility of delivering an accessible online exercise program designed specifically for adults with CP, focusing on demand, practicality, acceptability, and potential benefits to physical, mental, and social health. The study will recruit 60 adults with CP who will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will participate in an 8-week online exercise and education program that includes weekly online exercise classes targeting strength, balance, and range of movement, along with educational materials covering topics like exercise, nutrition, fatigue, bone health, pain management, mental health, and sleep. The other group will receive the same educational materials over 8 weeks without the exercise classes and will be informed about the home exercise program after the intervention period. Participants will be monitored throughout the study with data collected on attendance, completion rates, engagement with exercises, and any adverse events. Health-related surveys will be completed before and after the program to assess changes in physical function, mobility, pain, fatigue, sleep, self-efficacy, depression, and participation. Selected participants will also provide feedback through interviews. The study duration includes rolling recruitment over 1.2 years and outcome measurements over 2 years, aiming to support the development of effective online exercise programs for adults with CP.

Researchers are evaluating a new therapy approach called MOBILE to improve walking ability in children and teens with Cerebral Palsy. This study aims to find out if the therapy is acceptable and helpful to both the children and their families when provided in a community setting. The key questions include whether participants tolerate the therapy, if families find it manageable, and if children complete all therapy sessions and assessments as planned over the course of the study. The therapy uses motor learning principles to target each child's specific walking goal. Participants will complete a total of 30 hours of therapy over 6 weeks, with at least 24 hours conducted in a clinic. The remaining hours can be done through a home program. This flexible format allows children to choose how they complete their therapy sessions while focusing on improving their walking patterns. During the study, children will be assessed before and after therapy to see if they meet their walking goals. Researchers will also interview participants about their experience with the therapy. Various outcome measures will be tracked over 2 years, including recruitment, adherence, retention, adverse events, fidelity to the intervention, and the acceptability of the therapy. Functional walking tests and quality of life assessments will be done at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up. Participants are involved in therapy sessions, assessments, and interviews throughout the study period.