Actively Recruiting
Evaluation of Brain Changes in Adults with Cerebral Palsy Using MRI Scans
Led by Columbia University · Updated on 2026-05-13
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research investigates cerebral palsy (CP), a neurodevelopmental syndrome caused by a non-progressive brain injury during early childhood that leads to movement and posture impairments. Although CP itself is considered non-progressive, many adults with CP experience a decline in function as they age. The study aims to better understand whether brain and spinal cord shrinkage over time may indicate ongoing neurodegeneration in adults with CP. The study compares two groups: a retrospective group with adults diagnosed with CP who have two or more past brain MRI scans, and a prospective group with adults who have only one prior brain MRI. Participants in the prospective group will undergo new brain and cervical spine MRIs without contrast. The study analyzes multiple MRI scans taken at least two years apart to identify structural changes in the brain and spinal cord and relate these to changes in function. Participants will be adults aged 18 to 80 with CP who have undergone brain MRI scans as part of their standard care. The study collects and analyzes brain and spinal cord MRI images, alongside clinical data, to measure outcomes such as total brain volume and cortical thickness over time. This observational study monitors participants over multiple years to understand brain changes linked to functional decline in CP.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Evaluation of Brain MRI Changes in Cerebral Palsy Patients
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Have multiple MRI scans of brain and/or spinal cord spaced at least 24 months apart
- Between 18 and 80 years of age with at least one MRI scan after the age of 18
- No known central or peripheral neurological disease or injury other than cerebral palsy causing brain degeneration
- Inclusion in CPRN registry
- Diagnosis of cerebral palsy
- Have received at least one past brain MRI scan as part of standard care (patients with two or more brain MRI scans can be included in the retrospective arm only)
You will not qualify if you...
- History of more than one seizure in lifetime
- History of known degenerative genetic disorder
- History of brain tumor, abscess, or multiple sclerosis
- History of moderate or severe head trauma
- History of metal implants in head
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Single time point for retrospective arm; initial scan plus follow-up scan at least 2 years later for prospective arm
Participants undergo brain and cervical spine MRI scans to identify structural brain changes related to cerebral palsy.
1 to 2 visits depending on arm assignment
Duration - At least 2 years
Participants are observed over time to assess changes in brain structure and function related to cerebral palsy.
Follow-up MRI at least 2 years after first scan
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Weinberg Family Cerebral Palsy Center, Columbia University
New York, New York, United States, 10040
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jason Carmel, MD, PhD
S
Shaker Dukkipati, MD, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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