Actively Recruiting
Functional and Structural Changes in the Central Nervous System Following Spinal Cord Injury
Led by University of Zurich · Updated on 2025-12-15
225
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Zurich
Lead Sponsor
S
Swiss National Science Foundation
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying spinal cord injury (SCI) patients to better understand changes in the central nervous system using advanced functional MRI techniques. This research aims to detect the remaining activity of motor and sensory neurons in the lumbosacral spinal cord, which is important for evaluating the preservation of spinal neuronal function after injury. The study focuses on how trauma-induced neurodegeneration affects nerve activity below the injury level, which is crucial for future therapies that promote nerve regeneration. The study includes both cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches with healthy controls and various SCI patient groups. Participants undergo functional MRI scans of the spinal cord and brain at baseline, with follow-up scans at 2, 6, and 12 months to observe changes over time. Additional imaging techniques like diffusion MRI, structural MRI, and magnetic resonance neurography are used to assess nerve structure and function. Some participants with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction will also receive tibial nerve stimulation as part of their rehabilitation independently of the study. Participants will complete multiple assessments including nerve conduction studies, motor evoked potentials, neurological classification scales, pain questionnaires, and measures of motor and sensory function. These evaluations are performed at baseline and during the follow-up visits at 2, 6, and 12 months. The study also tracks changes in urinary symptoms and independence with activities. Safety screenings and MRI compatibility checks are conducted before enrollment, and participants' progress is monitored throughout the study, which lasts up to one year.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Functional and Structural Changes in the Central Nervous System Following Spinal Cord Injury
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age over 18 years
- Able to provide informed consent
- Willing to follow study protocol requirements
- For cross-sectional study: chronic traumatic spinal cord injury (more than 12 months after injury) or diagnosed degenerative spondylotic myelopathy
- For longitudinal study: acute traumatic spinal cord injury (less than 2 months after injury) or neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction undergoing routine tibial nerve stimulation treatment
You will not qualify if you...
- Age under 18 years
- Contraindications for MRI such as pacemaker, metallic foreign bodies, or other implants
- No informed consent provided
- History of psychiatric or neurological disease apart from spinal cord injury
- History of skull surgery or head trauma
- Known or suspected drug or alcohol abuse
- Inability to follow study procedures due to language, psychological, or cognitive issues
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Intending to become pregnant during the study
- Body mass index over 35
- Individuals needing special protection under research ethics guidelines
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 - Baseline only
Participants undergo baseline assessments including various MRI scans, nerve conduction studies, motor evoked potentials, and neurological scales to evaluate spinal cord injury and function.
1 to 2 visits depending on cohort assignment
Duration - Up to 12 months
Participants in the longitudinal study are monitored over time with follow-up assessments at 2-month, 6-month, and 12-month intervals to track changes in imaging and neurological function.
Visits at 2-month, 6-month, and 12-month follow-ups
Duration - 6 to 12 weeks
Participants with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction undergoing routine tibial nerve stimulation treatment are assessed for urinary symptoms and quality of life before and after treatment.
Baseline and follow-up visits during tibial nerve stimulation treatment
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Balgrist University Hospital
Zurich, Switzerland, 8008
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
G
Gergely David, Dr.
C
Christian Kuendig, MSc
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
6
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