Neurology

Below are current clinical trials.

Filter this list of studies by location, status and more.

1. A Study to Evaluate Traditional Versus Early Aggressive Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis Patients

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purpose of this study is to evaluate, jointly and independently among patients deemed at higher risk vs. lower risk for disability accumulation, whether an "early aggressive" therapy approach, versus starting with a traditional, first-line therapy, influences the intermediate-term risk of disability, and to evaluate if, among patients deemed at lower risk for disability who start on first-line MS therapies but experience breakthrough disease, those who switch to a higher-efficacy versus a new first-line therapy have different intermediate-term risk of disability.FDA-approved multiple sclerosis (MS) disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) target the relapsing phase of MS but have minimal impact once the progressive phase has begun. It is unclear if, in the relapsing phase, there is an advantage of early aggressive therapy with respect to preventing long-term disability. The infectious risks and other complications associated with higher-efficacy treatments highlight the need to quantify their effectiveness in preventing disability. The TRaditional versus Early Aggressive Therapy for MS (TREAT-MS) trial is a pragmatic, randomized controlled trial that has two primary aims:

2. Posterior Fossa Decompression with or without Duraplasty for Chiari Type I Malformation with Syringomyelia

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purpose of this study is to determine whether a posterior fossa decompression or a posterior fossa decompression with duraplasty results in better patient outcomes with fewer complications and improved quality of life in those who have Chiari malformation type I and syringomyelia.

3. Breast Cancer, Reasoning, and Activity Intervention

   Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz.

   The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of aerobic exercise training, delivered in a community-based setting, for improving cognitive function in post-menopausal Breast Cancer Survivors (BCS).

4. Immune Phenotyping in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

   Rochester, Minn.

   The goals of this study are to identify biomarkers that allow improved staging or prognosis of the disease, and through the discovery of previously unrecognized immune abnormalities in ALS we aim to eventually identify immune therapies that may provide benefit in ALS.

5. A Study to Evaluate Pluripotent Stem Cell Models for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Patients

   Rochester, Minn., La Crosse, Wis., Jacksonville, Fla.

   The purpose of this study is to perform RNA sequencing on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC).  By comparing the gene expression of motor neurons derived from iPSC cells of phenotypically discordant Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) sibling pairs and individual cases of SMA, we hope to identify potential protective gene modifiers of SMA.   Identifying protective gene modifiers will increase our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of SMA.

6. A Long Term Study of Molecular and Structural Imaging in Atypical Alzheimer's Disease

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purpose of this study is to learn more about amyloid and tau burden in the brain of patients with Atypical Alzheimer's Disease and how that burden may change over a two-year period.

7. A Study to Evaluate Quantitative Phenotypes of Movement Disorders

   Jacksonville, Fla.

   The purpose of this study is to determine if adaptive rhythmic auditory stimulation (ARAS) is a safe means of improving gait; i.e., fewer falls, abrupt accelerations/decelerations in patients with movement disorders. Furthermore, we aim to provide patients with a safe environment in which they can safely navigate through an enjoyable experience (guided art tour) that provides exercise, social engagement, and exposure to art.

8. A Study of Pyridostigmine in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome

   Rochester, Minn.

   This is a 3-day study comparing pyridostigmine versus placebo in the treatment of postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). The researchers expect pyridostigmine to improve tachycardia and stabilize blood pressure.

9. A Study of Nervous System Involvement of Coccidioidomycosis at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Arizona

   Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz.

   The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the presentation, diagnostics, disease course and treatment variations, as well as the factors that may influence features of neuro-invasive Coccidioidomycosis. 

10. Synucleinopathies

    Rochester, Minn.

    The goals of the study are to prospectively evaluate clinical and laboratory biomarkers of multiple system atrophy and Parkinson’s disease at early clinical disease, at a premotor stage (PAF), and even at a prodromal stage (RBD).