CompletedNot Applicable

Measuring the Latency Connectome in the Central Nervous Systems Using Neuroimaging and Neurophysiological Techniques

United States16 participantsStarted 2017-10-02

Plain-language summary

Background: Little is known about the time it takes for nerve signals to go from one area of the brain to another. Using advanced methods for brain research, researchers want to look at the time it takes to send messages between different brain areas. They also want to develop new tests. Objectives: To develop tests to measure the sizes of nerve fibers in the peripheral nerve system and in the brain. Also to find out the different speeds that information travels in nerve fibers. Eligibility: Healthy, right-handed people ages 18-70 Design: Participants will be screened with medical history and a physical exam. Participants will have up to 7 visits depending on the tests they choose. Visits last about 2-4 hours and may involve the following tests: * Physical exam * Urine tests * Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Participants lie on a table that slides into a scanner. They will be in the scanner for up to 1 hour. For some scans, sensors are placed on the skin. They will get earplugs for loud noises. * Small, sticky pads on the skin will electrically stimulate nerves in the forearm. * Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). A wire coil will be held to the scalp. A brief electrical current passes through the coil to affect brain activity. * Electroencephalography. TMS will be given to the brain. Small electrodes on the scalp measure brain activity. Participants may do small tasks. * Electrodes on the scalp will send an electrical current to the brain. * A cone with magnetic detectors will be lowered onto the head to record brain activity. Participants will perform various tasks.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 70 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

* INCLUSION CRITERIA: * Ages between 18-70 years. * Right-handed (tested by the Edinburg handedness inventory). * Able to give informed consent and able to comply with all study procedures. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: * Self-reported consumption of \>14 alcoholic drinks/week for a man and \>7 alcoholic drinks/week for a woman. * Abnormal findings on neurological examination. * History of brain tumor, stroke, head trauma with loss of consciousness, epilepsy or seizures. * Current episode of any major psychiatric illness. * Use of medications that act directly on the CNS. * Hearing loss reported in the history or detected in the routine physical examination * Having permanent tattooed makeup (eyeliner, lip, etc.) or general tattoos. Subjects with tattoos will be excluded if those are in a dangerous location in the body or made with colors (e.g. dark blue and dark green) whose content in iron cannot be definitely ruled out by the investigators. * Having non-organic implant or any other device such as: cardiac pacemaker, insulin infusion pump, implanted drug infusion device, cochlear, otologic, or ear implant, transdermal medication patch, any metallic implants or objects, body piercing(s), bone/joint pin, screw, nail, plate, wire sutures or surgical staples, shunt. * Having cerebral or other aneurysm clips. * Having shrapnel or other metal imbedded in the body (such as from war wounds or accidents). * Had severe accidents in the past that may possibly have left metal in the body. * Pr…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

measure motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude

Timeframe: throughout

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03223636

SponsorNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

Sponsor typeNIH

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2020-11-12

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