Brain Imaging Study of Driving Function in People Aged 16 to 40 With Urea Cycle Disorder Compared to Healthy Controls

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how the brain functions in people with urea cycle disorder UCD while they perform driving tasks of varying difficulty. This observational study compares brain activity during simulated driving between individuals with UCD and healthy volunteers, aiming to understand differences in thinking and attention. The study uses functional near-infrared spectroscopy fNIRS to measure brain oxygen levels in specific areas during these tasks. Participants will wear a soft cap equipped with fNIRS sensors that monitor oxygen changes in different brain regions such as the prefrontal, parietal, and occipital areas while they complete a driving simulation. The study includes both individuals diagnosed with UCD and healthy control participants matched by age and sex. All activities, including neurological exams, questionnaires about health and driving habits, and cognitive tests, will be conducted in one visit. Participants will have their medical history reviewed and complete simple memory and attention tests to assess cognitive skills. Brain oxygenation levels will be recorded during the driving task to evaluate brain function. The study measures changes in oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, and total hemoglobin concentrations in different brain regions in both groups. All study procedures, including assessments and simulator use, take place during a single day of enrollment.

Functional Evaluation in Patients With Urea Cycle Disorders (UCD) During a Driving Task