Actively Recruiting
Pediatric POTS: Does a Periaqueductal Gray-vagus Nerve Interface Malfunction Explain the Natural History With Its Numerous Co-morbidities?
Led by Virginia Commonwealth University · Updated on 2026-04-21
36
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating how individuals with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) understand visual information to learn more about brain communication and its connection to POTS and its related health issues. This study focuses on females aged 12 to 21 years and aims to explore the role of the periaqueductal gray-vagus nerve interface in POTS. The research is sponsored by Virginia Commonwealth University and involves comparing adolescents with POTS to healthy peers. Participants will take part in a behavioral task called the looming task, where they view images during an fMRI scan and press a button when an image appears. This helps assess brain activity, particularly in the periaqueductal gray region, during both the task and resting periods. The study does not use randomization or blinding and includes healthy control participants without POTS or neurological disorders. During the study, participants will undergo fMRI scans lasting about 90 minutes for both the looming task and resting state to measure brain activation. Researchers will collect data on how different brain regions respond to visual stimuli and at rest. The total involvement includes these imaging sessions and may involve consent and communication assessments. The study monitors participants carefully to ensure safety and accurate data collection throughout the process.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Periaqueductal Gray-vagus Nerve Interface Malfunction Explain the Natural History With Its Numerous Co-morbidities?
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Female aged 12 to 21 years
- Able to communicate and provide consent or assent
- English speaking
- Diagnosed with POTS defined as a symptomatic heart rate rise of 40 bpm or more without blood pressure drop and with symptoms of orthostatic intolerance
- Age-matched healthy controls without POTS or other neurological disorders
You will not qualify if you...
- Inflammatory arthritis, connective tissue, or autoimmune disorders
- Any chronic neurological disorder other than POTS
- Unstable medical disorders including kidney, liver, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, or uncontrolled psychiatric illnesses
- Neuropathy or central nervous system disorders such as cerebral palsy, seizure disorder, multiple sclerosis, or stroke
- Use of unapproved drugs or medical devices in the past 30 days
- Use of hormones except insulin, thyroid replacement, or oral contraceptives
- Current substance or alcohol abuse
- Recent major surgery with general anesthesia within 60 days or minor procedures with sedation within 7 days
- Ongoing or pending medical, health, or disability litigation
- Any condition interfering with informed consent, compliance, or study interpretation
- Chronic use of narcotics for pain
- Claustrophobia or metal hardware interfering with MRI
- Investigators and study staff
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 - 90 minutes
Participants undergo an fMRI scan while performing a looming task, which involves looking at pictures and pressing a button when an image appears to assess periaqueductal gray region activation.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia, United States, 23298
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
G
Gisela Chelimsky, M.D.
M
Madison Maxwell, B.S.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
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