Actively Recruiting
Natural History Study of Inflammatory and Infectious Diseases of the Nervous System
Led by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) · Updated on 2026-05-15
1000
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying how infections and inflammation affect the brain and nervous system in people aged 2 years and older. The goal is to better understand the causes, immune responses, genetic factors, and disease progressions involved in these nervous system conditions to improve tests and treatments. This study includes patients with known or suspected nervous system infection or inflammation, as well as their family members. Participants may have samples like blood, tissue, saliva, and urine collected either by clinicians outside the study or during visits to the research center. Some will attend several visits for detailed exams, including neurological tests, MRI scans with contrast dye, and lumbar punctures to collect spinal fluid. Optional tests may include eye exams, memory and thinking assessments, brain electrical activity testing, or skin biopsies. Family members of patients may also participate by providing samples and clinical information. During the study, participants will undergo medical history reviews, physical and neurological exams, and multiple biological sample collections. Imaging and lab tests help researchers track disease characteristics and immune responses over time. The main outcome is to document the natural course of these diseases. Follow-up visits are personalized based on clinical needs. The study may continue up to 12 months after the last participant joins, with some participants only providing biological samples without additional visits.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Inflammatory and Infectious Diseases of the Nervous System
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Have a known or suspected infection or inflammation of the nervous system or post-infection effects based on clinical or imaging data
- Be willing to participate in study procedures unless medically contraindicated
- Provide informed consent yourself or through a legal representative
- Consent to collection and storage of clinical data or biological samples
- Be at least 2 years old
- For family members: have a relative enrolled in the study, be at least 2 years old, and able to comply with study procedures
You will not qualify if you...
- Have a serious medical condition that may cause undue risk or prevent study completion
- Have an acute or unstable medical condition difficult to manage at the study center
- Have a well-characterized disease with established treatment where study would not add knowledge
- For family members: unwilling to consent for biological sample collection or storage
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 - Initial evaluation period
Participants undergo comprehensive history and neurological examination, blood collection, neuroimaging, and lumbar puncture to evaluate infectious and inflammatory diseases of the nervous system.
1 or more visits (inpatient or outpatient) depending on clinical needs
Duration - Up to 12 months after last participant enrollment
Participants are followed with individualized visits based on clinical needs and evaluation results to observe the natural course of diseases and collect research data.
Visits individualized; some participants may have no additional visits
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20892
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
L
Ladifatou N Fouanta, R.N.
A
Avindra Nath, M.D.
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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