Non-Invasive EEG and EMG Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis and Monitoring of Motor Neuron Diseases Including ALS

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying Motor Neuron Disease MND, also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ALS, a nervous system disorder that causes loss of movement and is eventually fatal. The study aims to find a non-invasive and cost-effective biomarker using combined EEG and EMG recordings to help with early diagnosis and tracking the diseases progression. Current diagnosis relies mostly on clinical methods, and better tools are needed to personalize care and treatment for individuals with ALS and its subtypes. Participants will undergo non-invasive recordings using 128-electrode EEG and either bipolar or high-density surface EMG placed on the scalp and arm muscles. These recordings will be made while participants rest or perform tasks designed to engage specific brain and muscle networks. The study includes groups of healthy volunteers and patients with ALS, Primary Lateral Sclerosis PLS, Progressive Muscle Atrophy PMA, Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome, and Spinal Muscular Atrophy SMA. During the study, participants will be assessed up to two years with repeated recordings of EEG and EMG to analyze neuromuscular communication patterns. Researchers will measure specific EEG-EMG and EEG-EEG signatures to distinguish healthy individuals from different ALS patient subgroups. The goal is to develop reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis and disease progression to improve patient care and rehabilitation.

Impairments of Neuro-muscular Communication in Motor-Neuron Disease: A Bio-Marker for Early and Personalised Diagnosis