Neurology

Below are current clinical trials.

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

1. Memantine Hydrochloride and Whole-Brain Radiotherapy With or Without Hippocampal Avoidance in Reducing Neurocognitive Decline in Patients With Brain Metastases

   Mankato, Minn., La Crosse, Wis., Eau Claire, Wis., Rochester, Minn., Albert Lea, Minn.

   This randomized phase III trial compares memantine hydrochloride and whole-brain radiotherapy with or without hippocampal avoidance in reducing neurocognitive decline in patients with cancer that has spread from the primary site (place where it started) to the brain. Whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is the most common treatment for brain metastasis. Unfortunately, the majority of patients with brain metastases experience cognitive (such as learning and memory) deterioration after WBRT. Memantine hydrochloride may enhance cognitive function by binding to and inhibiting channels of receptors located in the central nervous system. Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays to kill tumor cells and shrink tumors. Using radiation techniques, such as intensity modulated radiotherapy to avoid the hippocampal region during WBRT, may reduce the radiation dose to the hippocampus and help limit the radiation-induced cognitive decline. It is not yet known whether giving memantine hydrochloride and WBRT with or without hippocampal avoidance works better in reducing neurocognitive decline in patients with brain metastases.

2. Analyses of Metabolic Agents Following Brain Radiation

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of serial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) assessments to evaluate the pharmacodynamic impact of agents targeting radiation-induced biology administered following completion of brain radiation.

3. Left Atrial Appendage Exclusion for Prophylactic Stroke Reduction Trial

   Rochester, Minn.

   The objective of this trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of left atrial appendage exclusion (LAAE) for the prevention of ischemic stroke or systemic arterial embolism in subjects undergoing cardiac surgery who have risk factors for atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke.

4. Evaluating Optic Nerve Disease with OCT Angiography

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purpose of this study is to determine if optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography is able to distinguish different causes of optic neuropathy.

5. Magnetic Resonance Elastography of Traumatic Brain Injury

   Rochester, Minn.

   This purpose of this pilot study is to determine if there are changes in mild TBI detectible with MRE. This is the first time this novel technology has been applied to mild TBI and the anticipated results are theoretical.

6. A Study to Assess Biomarkers of Cerebral Cavernous Angioma with Symptomatic Hemorrhage (CASH)

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purpose of this study is to develop prognostic and diagnostic blood tests for symptomatic brain hemorrhage in patients diagnosed with cavernous angiomas, a critical clinical challenge in a disease affecting more than a million Americans. We further examine whether blood biomarkers can replace or enhance the accuracy of advanced imaging in association with lesional bleeding. The project tests a novel integrational approach of biomarker development in a mechanistically defined cerebrovascular disease, with a clinically relevant context of use.

7. A Study to Evaluate Biomarker Target Stimulation

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purpose of this study is to understand how electrical stimulation of the brain can modulate and suppress interictal epileptiform activity as a step on the path to developing new therapies for epilepsy.

8. Resting State Connectivity in Adolescents with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and Chronic Pain

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purposes of this study are to compare the functional connectivity in adolescent patients with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) both with and without chronic pain, to those with chronic pain alone, to that of healthy controls; to evaluate whether there is a change in functional connectivity following participation in an intensive rehabilitation-oriented program previously demonstrated to have excellent outcomes with regard to functional recovery and symptom control; and to correlate outcomes using standardized symptom and function rating scales to imaging findings.

9. Carotid Revascularization and Medical Management for Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis Trial

   Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz.

   Carotid revascularization for primary prevention of stroke (CREST-2) is two independent multicenter, randomized controlled trials of carotid revascularization and intensive medical management versus medical management alone in patients with asymptomatic high-grade carotid stenosis. One trial will randomize patients in a 1:1 ratio to endarterectomy versus no endarterectomy and another will randomize patients in a 1:1 ratio to carotid stenting with embolic protection versus no stenting. Medical management will be uniform for all randomized treatment groups and will be centrally directed.

10. A Registry of Biospecimens for Patients with Central Nervous Systems Inflammatory Disease

    Rochester, Minn.

    The purpose of the study is to learn more about inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) by collecting patient information, blood sample (which contain a person’s genes, DNA) and other available tissue samples.