Non-invasive Spinal, Cortical, and Sensorimotor Biomarkers in Motor Neurone Disease

Summary

Substantial variability exists in the onset, and rate of degeneration across individuals with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This variability requires biomarkers that accurately classify and reliably track clinical subtypes as the disease progresses. Degeneration occurs in the brain and spinal cord, however, non-invasive diagnosis of spinal cord function remains highly challenging due to its unique alignment in spine. Disruption of complex spinal and cortical circuits that transmit and process neural signals for position sense and movement has not been adequately captured in the neurophysiological profiling of ALS patients. The overarching aim of this study is to reveal and quantify the extent of change in the sensorimotor integration and its potential contribution to network disruption in ALS.

Conditions

• Motor Neuron Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• Motor Neuron Disease Progressive Spinal Muscle Atrophy
• Primary Lateral Sclerosis
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome

Interventions

PROCEDURE

232 Electrode Electrophysiology (EEG-ECG-EMG-EXG)

Noninvasive 232 Channel Electrode Electrophysiological signals (EEG-ECG-EMG-EXG) will be recorded from electrodes placed in a montage over the scalp, neck,and upper back along with muscles located on the hand. These signals will be recorded while resting or performing voluntary task. Other Intervention: The 232 electrode noninvasive electrophysiological data will be recorded in response to non-invasive peripheral nerve stimulation or vibration induced stimulation. These sessions are designed to engage specific cortical motor networks of interest for evaluating sensorimotor networks. (Cognitive, behavioural, motor, spinal, and sensory)

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Motor Neurone Disease Association, UK

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Irish Research Council, IE

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Health Research Board, IE

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Research Motor Neurone, IE

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Thierry Latran Foundation, FR

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• ALS Association, USA

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• University of Dublin, Trinity College

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Orla Hardiman, BSc MB BCh BAO MD FRCPI FAAN · Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-06-15

Primary Completion

2024-12-15

Completion

2025-07-15

Countries

• Ireland

Study Locations