View clinical trials related to Spinal Cord Diseases.
Filter by:Decompressive surgery to relieve symptoms of spinal cord compression due to dysfunction, such as arthritis, has proved variable in success. Past research has reported that approximately one-third of surgery patients improved, one-third remained the same and one-third worsened. Currently, there are no reliable tests that can predict the outcome following surgery. We are hoping that this study will change that. Using functional MRI (fMRI), we wish to investigate the relationship between clinical symptoms and the recovery of brain activation following surgery. One can also track the concentrations of different chemicals (metabolites) by using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). We hypothesize that the recovery of normal brain activation patterns will coincide with clinical improvement. Our objective in this study is to explore the potential role of fMRI as a tool to prognose patients with cervical myelopathy. Twenty-five patients with cervical myelopathy will be imaged using a high-powered (3 Tesla) fMRI scanner before and six months following surgery. In addition, ten healthy controls will be imaged to provide a baseline measure. Both the patient and control groups will complete questionnaires at the time of their scans. These will provide information concerning the subjective experience of the individuals throughout recovery. We will compare brain activation patterns of control and patient groups to investigate how the brain heals following decompressive surgery.
The primary purpose of this study is to compare anterior and posterior surgical approach in treatment of CSM in terms of surgical complications and neurological, functional, disease-specific and quality of life outcomes measures. Secondary aims are to quantify the amount of change pre and post-surgery concerning the same outcome measures; to determine if there are differences in outcomes between posterior surgical techniques (i.e. laminectomy with fusion or laminoplasty) and examine the relationship between baseline MRI and baseline and follow-up neurological and functional outcomes.
To determine whether the use of two antiviral agents in combination will be better than placebo in the treatment of an inflammatory sidease of the spinal cord caused by HTLV-I
The purpose of this trial is to determine the efficacy of spinal cord stimulation to produce an effective cough in patients with spinal cord injuries.
This study will examine the use of the humanized Mik-Beta-1 (Hu Mik-(SqrRoot) 1) monoclonal antibody in patients with HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Some patients infected with the human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) virus develop HAM/TSP, a disease in which the immune response to HTLV-1 becomes directed against the person's own body in what is called an autoimmune response. Hu-Mik-Beta-1 is a genetically engineered antibody that blocks the action of a chemical produced by the body during infection or inflammation called interleukin 15 (IL-15). Blocking IL-15 may prevent the autoimmune response that results in HAM/TSP. Patients 18 years of age and older with HAM/TSP may be eligible for this study. Candidates are screened with a medical history and physical examination, blood and urine tests, and an electrocardiogram. Participants undergo the following procedures: 1. Baseline visit(s): Repeat physical examination and blood and urine tests, as well as the following: - Lumbar puncture: A local anesthetic is injected to numb the skin of the lower back. A needle is inserted in the space between the bones where the cerebrospinal fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord circulates below the spinal cord. About 4 tablespoons of fluid is collected through the needle. - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This test uses radio waves and magnets to produce images of body tissues and organs. The patient lies on a table that slides into a metal cylinder surrounded by a strong magnetic field. During part of the scan, a contrast agent is injected to brighten the images. - Apheresis: This procedure is used to collect large quantities of white blood cells. Whole blood is collected through a needle in an arm vein and directed into a machine that separates it into its components by spinning. The white cells and plasma are removed and the rest of the blood (red cells and platelets) is returned to the body through the same needle. 2. Hu Mik-Beta-1 treatment: Infusions of Hu Mik-Beta-1 are given through a vein every 3 weeks for nine doses. The first treatment requires at least an overnight hospital stay; subsequent infusions are given in the outpatient clinic. 3. Blood and urine tests and a physical examination at every treatment visit and a skin test at one treatment visit. 4. Research tests at the end of the 24-week treatment period, including lumbar puncture (spinal tap), MRI scan, and apheresis. 5. After completing treatment, patients have three follow-up clinic visits for blood and urine tests, and a skin test at one follow-up visit.
HTLV stands for human T cell leukemia virus. HTLV-1 is a virus that attacks specific kinds of white blood cells called T cells. T cells are part of the natural defense system of the body. HTLV-1 has been associated with leukemia and lymphoma. In addition, approximately 1% of all patients infected with HTLV-1 develops a condition known as HTLV-1 associated myelopathy (HAM) / tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP). Currently there is no clearly defined, effective treatment for patients with HAM/TSP. Steroids have been used as therapy but have only been able to provide temporary relief of symptoms. Human interferon is a small protein released from different kinds of cells in the body. Interferon has been known to have antiviral and immunological effects and has been used to treat hepatitis and multiple sclerosis. Interferon Beta is released from cells called fibroblasts. These cells play a role in the production of connective tissue. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the possible role of recombinant interferon beta (Avonex) in treatment of HAM/TSP. The study is broken into three phases, a pre-treatment phase, a treatment phase, and a post-treatment phase. The total duration of the study will be 44 weeks. Patients participating in this study will receive injections of Avonex 1 to 2 times a week. Throughout the study patients will regularly submit blood samples and undergo diagnostic tests such as MRI and measures of somatosensory evoked potentials.
Arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are abnormally formed blood vessels that can be located throughout the brain and spinal cord. Patients with abnormalities of the blood vessels located in and around the spinal cord can develop many neurological problems. Some problems include, weakness, pain, difficulty walking, paralysis, and even death. The treatment for these AVMs depends on their location, the type of malformation, the area of the spine involved, and the condition of the patient at the time of treatment. The treatment is aimed at stopping the neurologic problems from worsening and possibly correcting the existing problems. There are two commonly used treatments for AVMs, surgery and embolization (blocking off of blood flow to the AVM). However, researchers have limited experience treating these conditions because they are rare. In addition, it has been difficult to classify different kinds of AVMs and to develop new treatments for them. This study is designed to increase researchers understanding of AVMs by admitting and following patients diagnosed with the condition. By increasing the amount of patients studied diagnosed with spinal blood vessel abnormalities, researchers can begin to develop new management plans for patients with AVMs.