Neurology & Neurosurgery Clinical Trials

Condition:

Alzheimer’s disease

Participant Requirements:

• Over age 40 and
  • Has a diagnosis of or suspected of having a memory disorder OR
  • Healthy control with a family history of a memory disorder or dementia or are interested in participating in memory-related research.

Summary:

The purpose of the study is to create a registry (list) of participants who are interested in taking part in future research related to Alzheimer’s Disease and other memory disorders.

Condition:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Participant Requirements:

• Confirmed diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Duration of symptoms ≤36 months
• At least 18 years old

Summary:

The purpose of this study is to determine whether new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques can detect muscle changes over time in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Researchers will compare the data obtained from muscle MRIs with other measurements.

Condition:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Participant Requirements:

Be at least 18 years old; with diagnosis of clinically possible, laboratory supported probable, probable or clinically definite ALS.

Summary:

The objective of this study is to assess an investigational strength measurement device called Accurate Test of Limb Isometric Strength (ATLIS) in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ATLIS is designed to evaluate muscle strength and measures the isometric strength of 12 muscle groups in the arms and legs.

Condition:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Participant Requirements:

• 18-80 years old
• Diagnosis of familial or sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• First symptom of ALS ≤24 months prior to screening

Summary:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of an investigational drug called reldesemtiv in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The study will evaluate patients’ muscle strength and breathing, as well as conduct physical assessments and questionnaires.

Condition:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Participant Requirements:

• Sporadic or familial ALS diagnosed as clinically possible, probable, lab-supported probable, or definite ALS
• At least 18 years old
• Time since onset of weakness due to ALS ≤36 months at the time of the screening visit
  

Summary:

The purpose of the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of multiple treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A regimen is a specific course of treatment, each with a different study drug. Multiple regimens may be active at the same time within this platform trial.

Condition:
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Participant Requirements:

• Sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosed as definite, probable, or laboratory-supported probable
• At least 18 years old
• Onset of ALS symptoms within 72 weeks prior to screening

Summary:

This study focuses on individuals who have been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and are currently showing signs of weakness due to ALS. The purpose of the study is to determine whether an investigational drug called pegcetacoplan (also known as APL-2) can slow the progression of ALS.

Condition:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Participant Requirements:

• Have a clinical diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Be at least 18 years old
• Be able to provide informed consent

Summary:

The purpose of this study is to collect medical information, key event dates and treatment information on patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to determine the natural history of the disease and whether utilized interventions affect the disease course.  

Condition:

Traumatic brain injury

Participant Requirements:

• Have non-penetrating traumatic brain injury
• Be able to place intracranial monitors and assign to treatment group within six hours of arrival at enrolling hospital, but no later than 12 hours from injury
• Be at least 14 years old

Summary:

This study focuses on patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The purpose of the study is to compare two ways of treating patients with brain injury. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive medical care based on monitoring of pressure in the brain (intracranial pressure or ICP) alone. The other group will receive medical care based on ICP and the amount of oxygen in the brain.

Condition:

Brain injury

Participant Requirements:

• Coma after resuscitation from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
• Cooled to <34°C within 240 minutes of cardiac arrest
• At least 18 years old

Summary:

The purpose of the study is to determine whether different lengths of time for body cooling affect recovery; researchers want to learn more about a way to possibly lessen brain injury after cardiac arrest. 

Condition:

Acute subdural hematoma

Participant Requirements:

• At least 65 years old
• Traumatic injury related to a fall (with neuroimaging)

Summary:

The purpose of this study is to examine the risk factors for ground-level falls and how they are associated with acute subdural hematomas, a frequently encountered type of bleeding in the brain as a consequence of falls that is associated with high morbidity (state of having symptoms or being unhealthy due to the bleeding in the brain) and high mortality.

Condition:

Brain tumors

Participant Requirements:

Be an adult and pediatric patient; with a suspected or pathology-proven brain, breast, head, neck, or skin tumor who are undergoing a tumor resection; or undergoing temporal lobectomy as standard of care for epilepsy.

Summary:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the investigational use of laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (LIFS) to detect brain tumors at the time of surgery. LIFS is a technique that utilizes a beam of light (laser) to differentiate tumor tissue from normal brain tissue.

Condition:

Brain tumors

Participant Requirements:

Be an adult and child identified as having a probable brain tumor which is best treated by surgical resection.

Summary:

The purpose of this study is to collect brain tumor samples taken during a scheduled surgical procedure to determine possible eligibility and interest in participating in current IRB-approved vaccine trials. The tumor tissue will be removed during the surgery regardless of research participation. The processed tumor tissue would then be maintained in a separate registry and analyzed for eligibility in any of the IRB-approved vaccine trials.

Condition:
Primary central nervous system tumors

Participant Requirements:

• At least 18 years old
• MRI obtained within 30 days of study enrollment documents a measurable lesion consistent with a primary, malignant central nervous system tumor for which maximal safe resection (removal) is indicated
• Adequate renal (kidney) function

Summary:

This study focuses on individuals who have a primary central nervous system tumor and are planning to undergo surgery to remove the tumor. The purpose of the study is to examine the investigational use of a drug called tozuleristide and the Canvas imaging system device during surgical resection (removal) of primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors.

Condition:

Brain tumor including gliomas and acoustic neuromas

Participant Requirements:

Samples will be collected under a separate IRB-approved research study

Summary:

This study will examine brain tumor growth and spread by studying the cancer stem cell, otherwise known as tumor-initiating cells. Researchers will conduct various immunologic, genetic and biochemical studies on existing and future cell lines and other specimens.

Condition:

Carotid stenosis

Participant Requirements:

Be at least 35 years old; have no medical history of stroke or transient ischemic attack on the same side of the body as the stenosis (narrowing) within 180 days of study group assignment.

Summary:

This study evaluates differences between treatment options for patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis (narrowing of the carotid arteries without symptoms). Carotid artery disease is caused by a thickened area (plaque) in the artery, which narrows the artery and may limit blood flow to the brain.

Condition:

Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A

Participant Requirements:

• 16-65 years old with genetically proven diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A (CMT1A)
• Mild to moderate severity
• Muscle weakness in at least foot dorsiflexion (backward bending and contracting of the foot)

Summary:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an investigational drug called PXT3003 for the treatment of Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A (CMT1A disease). Researchers will compare PXT3003 to placebo (inactive substance) on the disease progression and symptoms of CMT1A, as well as determine whether the drug is tolerable and safe.

Condition:

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

Participant Requirements:

Have documented, disease causing mutation in the MPZ gene (for CMT1B) or in MFN2 (for CMT2A); have two documented, disease causing mutations in the GDAP1 gene (for CMT4A) or two mutations in the SH3TC2 gene (for CMT4C).

Summary:

The purpose of this study is to determine the natural history, or speed of progression, of Charcot Marie Tooth disease (CMT). The study will follow a group of people over time who have, or are at risk of developing, CMT and will also include a group of participants (“controls”) who do not have CMT.

Condition:

Epilepsy

Participant Requirements:

Have drug-resistant focal epilepsy and have agreed to undergo monitoring with implanted depth electrodes in the future.

Summary:

This study focuses on individuals who have medically intractable epilepsy (epilepsy that cannot be controlled by treatment) and who are scheduled to undergo insertion of electrodes into their brain to help find the source of seizures. The purpose of the study is to examine whether preoperative functional magnetic resonance imaging (functional MRI) can be used to help localize areas of the brain from which seizures originate. Researchers aim to determine whether functional MRI studies provide additional information beyond that provided by depth electrode monitoring (which participants will undergo as part of standard care). The study will also examine whether high-resolution structural MRIs can help localize the electrodes that patients will be implanted with at a later time.

Condition: 

Movement disorders

Participant Requirements:

• Scheduled for a new implant or implantable pulse generator device replacement surgery with a market-released Abbott DBS system within 3 months

Summary:

This data collection study focuses on individuals who are scheduled to receive an Abbott Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) systems implant to help treat their movement disorder. The implanted system includes an implantable pulse generator (IPG) that holds the battery and electrical components that generate the stimulation pulses; a thin wire with electrodes; and an extension that carries the stimulation pulses from the IPG to the electrodes.

Condition: 

Multiple sclerosis

Participant Requirements:

• 18-65 years old
• Referral to a study academic site for a clinical suspicion of multiple sclerosis
• Typical symptom onset

Summary:

The purpose of the study is to assess the utility of the central vein sign to diagnose MS to avoid delay in initiating treatment.

Condition:

Multiple sclerosis and related disorders (MSRD)

Participant Requirements:

• Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), clinically isolated syndrome, or radiologically isolated syndrome, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-related disease, or neurological disorder other than MS and related disorders (MSRD)
• Healthy volunteer
• At least 18 years old

Summary:

The purpose of this study is to determine whether combining information from visual assessment and blood markers, as well as historical and ongoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, orbit (the part of the skull where eyes are located), or spinal cord can predict disability progression due to neurological disease.

Condition:

Multiple sclerosis, neuroimmune conditions

Participant Requirements:

Be at least 18 years old and diagnosed with a neurological condition

Summary:

The purpose of this study is to create a data and specimen repository to evaluate new ways of diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS) and to distinguish these diagnostic techniques from mimics in order to prevent misdiagnosis. A repository is a collection of data and/or specimens that are stored with the intent of supporting future research.

Condition:

Multiple sclerosis

Participant Requirements:

Must be 18-60 years old; meets criteria for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis; must be either JC virus antibody-negative or low positive OR negative for hepatitis B and C and tuberculosis

Summary:

The purpose of this study is to identify the most appropriate treatment strategy for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), especially shortly after diagnosis when it may be most possible to increase a patient’s chance for preventing longer-term disability.

Condition: 

Multiple sclerosis, cancer

Participant Requirements:

• At least 18 years old
• Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis
• Not currently an active participant in a clinical trial

Summary:

This observational study focuses on patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who have been newly prescribed a drug called ocrevus or another treatment for MS.

Condition:

Neurologic and neuromuscular disorders

Participant Requirements:

• Group 1: Adults and children with evidence of a neurologic or neuromuscular disorder
• Group 2: Adults (at least 18 years old) who are family members of individuals in group 1
• Group 3: Unrelated healthy adults (at least 18 years old) who are used as a comparison group

Summary:

The purpose of this study is to establish a repository of blood/DNA samples to be used for future research studies examining the clinical and genetic features of various types of neurologic and neuromuscular disorders, including conditions that may not be genetically based.

Condition: 

REM sleep behavior disorder, Parkinson’s disease

Participant Requirements:

• 25-85 years old
• Diagnosis of idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD), established either as “definite RBD” or “probable RBD”
• At least one of the following: hyposmia; functional constipation; color vision abnormality; symptoms of depression

Summary:

This study focuses on patients with REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). RBD is a sleep disorder that causes people to “act out” their dreams. A high percentage of individuals with idiopathic RBD (iRBD) are known to develop conditions affecting the brain, such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study is designed to evaluate the investigational use of a drug called carvedilol.

Condition: 

Parkinson’s disease

Participant Requirements:

• Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) who are at least 30 years old. Parkinson’s disease diagnosis must be consistent with the UK Brain Bank Criteria.
• Modified Hoehn and Yahr Scale in “ON” state ≤3
• Must experience motor fluctuations and experience an average of at least 2.5 hours daily (with a minimum of 2 hours every day) in the “OFF” state during the waking hours as confirmed by an adequately completed ”ON/OFF” diary over 3 days

Summary:

This study focuses on individuals who have Parkinson’s disease with poorly controlled or involuntary movement symptoms. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of an investigational drug called ND0612, delivered under the skin, as a possible treatment for Parkinson’s disease.

Condition:

REM sleep behavior disorder, Parkinson’s disease

Participant Requirements:

• Enrolled in the study, The Effect of Adrenergic Blocker Therapy on Cardiac and Striatal Transporter Uptake in Pre-Motor and Symptomatic Parkinson’s Disease

Summary:

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the long-term effects of a drug called carvedilol, as measured by serial brain scans in subjects with REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). Researchers want to know the rate of RBD conversion to Parkinson’s Disease (PD) or other related disorders.

Condition:

Parkinson’s disease

Participant Requirements:

• Diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) according to Movement Disorder Society (MDS) clinical diagnostic criteria for PD. Participants with Dementia with Lewy Bodies are also eligible, consistent with MDS clinical diagnostic criteria for PD.
• Outpatient between 40 and 85 years old
  
• Has a study partner who is involved in the daily care of the participant to provide reliable information on falls and assist the subject with at-home assessments, medication compliance, and attending study visits
  

Summary:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate an investigational drug called TAK-071 (Takeda study medication) as a possible treatment for people with Parkinson’s disease who have a history of falls associated with cognitive decline.

Condition: 

Parkinson’s disease

Participant Requirements:

• Diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease consistent with the UK Parkinson’s Disease Society Brain Bank diagnostic criteria, with bradykinesia and motor asymmetry
• 40-80 years old
• Modified Hoehn and Yahr stage 1, 1.5, or 2

Summary:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of an investigational drug called CVL-751 (also known as tavapadon) as a possible treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Tavapadon works by targeting the dopamine system in the brain.

Condition:

Parkinson's disease

Participant Requirements:

Be at least 18 years old; with clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.

Summary:

The purpose of this study is to examine the history of Parkinson's disease in patients. Researchers aim to learn about medical information, key dates, and treatment related to patients' disease. The study will also evaluate whether biomarkers can be useful in predicting the progression of Parkinson's disease.

Condition:

Parkinson’s disease

Participant Requirements:

• 50-85 years old
• Diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD), with bradykinesia plus one of the other cardinal signs of PD, without any other known or suspected cause of parkinsonism
• Body weight ranging from 45-110 kg (99-242 lbs) and a body mass index of 18-34 kg/m²

Summary:

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of an experimental drug called prasinezumab in patients with early Parkinson's disease who are taking standard medication (either rasagiline, selegiline, or levodopa) to manage their disease symptoms. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either prasinezumab or placebo (inactive substance).

Condition: 

Parkinson’s disease

Participant Requirements:

• 18-85 years old
• Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease  
• Must have demonstrated a positive response to oral dopamine replacement therapy (DRT); treated with oral DRTs for minimum of 3 years prior to the screening visit

Summary:

This study focuses on individuals who have Parkinson’s disease (PD) and are fully vaccinated from COVID-19 (coronavirus). The purpose of the study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational neuromodulation device for the treatment of non-motor symptoms in people with PD.

Condition:

Parkinson's disease

Participant Requirements:

Be 40-85 years old. Have the ability to safely undergo fludeoxyglucose (18F) positron emission tomography (FDG-PET)/ magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Have the ability to comply with study procedures.

Summary:

This study focuses on individuals who have been diagnosed with either Parkinson's disease (PD) or the related condition, multiple system atrophy (MSA). The purpose of the study is to use imaging techniques to track changes in glucose metabolism (the way the brain uses energy), which may improve understanding of PD and related diseases such as MSA, and to develop new treatments for these conditions. Researchers aim to determine the effects of brain glucose metabolism on the body in PD and MSA patients and in those who have insulin resistance or diabetes.

Condition: 

Parkinson’s disease

Participant Requirements:

• Diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease consistent with the UK Parkinson’s Disease Society Brain Bank diagnostic criteria, with bradykinesia and motor asymmetry
• 40-80 years old
• Modified Hoehn and Yahr stage 2, 2.5, or 3 in the “on” state

Summary:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational drug called CVL-751 (also known as tavapadon) as a possible adjunctive (supportive) treatment for Parkinson’s disease.

Condition: 

Parkinson’s disease

Participant Requirements:

• Diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease that is consistent with the UK Parkinson’s Disease Society Brain Bank diagnostic criteria, with bradykinesia and motor asymmetry
• Participants who complete the 27-week double-blind Treatment Period of the TEMPO-1 or TEMPO-3 studies and enter this trial within 72 hours after completing the last trial visit in the double-blind trial
• Modified Hoehn and Yahr stage 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3

Summary:

The purpose of the study is to determine the safety and effectiveness of an investigational drug called CVL-751 (tavapadon) as a possible treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Tavapadon works by targeting the dopamine system in the brain. At Cedars-Sinai, only participants who complete the trials of tavapadon CVL-751-PD-001 and CVL-751-PD-003 will be eligible.

Condition: 

REM sleep behavior disorder, Parkinson’s disease

Participant Requirements:

• 25-85 years old
• Diagnosis of idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD), established either as “definite RBD” or “probable RBD”
• At least one of the following: hyposmia, functional constipation, color vision abnormality, or symptoms of depression

Summary:

This study focuses on individuals who have REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and is designed to evaluate the investigational use of a drug called terazosin. Researchers aim to learn about the effect of terazosin on imaging abnormalities that are considered early markers of predisposition to Parkinson’s disease and are frequently found in people with RBD.

Condition:

Stroke

Participant Requirements:

• At least 18 years old
• Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) confirmed by brain computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging
• Can be assigned to a treatment group within 14-120 days after ICH onset
  

Summary:

This study focuses on adults who have had a recent brain hemorrhage and have also been diagnosed with an irregular heart rate (a condition known as atrial fibrillation). The purpose of the study is to compare the effects of a drug called apixaban with aspirin to determine which is more effective for the prevention of strokes and death.

Condition:

Stroke

Summary:

Participants must be acute ischemic stroke patients; treated with 0.9 mg/kg IV rt-PA within 3 hours of stroke onset or time last known well; at least 18 years old.

Condition:

 Brain hemorrhage

Participant Requirements:

• At least 50 years old
• Spontaneous lobar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) confirmed by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scan
• Patient was taking a statin drug at the onset of the qualifying ICH

Summary:

This study focuses on individuals who have had a brain hemorrhage and were taking a statin drug (a drug that is used to reduce cholesterol level in the blood). The purpose of the study is to determine whether it is better to continue or discontinue statin drugs in patients who had a brain hemorrhage while taking a statin drug. 

Condition:

Stroke

Participant Requirements:

Be at least 18 years old; have transient ischemic attack with ABCD²≥4 or ischemic stroke within the past 14 days.

Summary:

This study focuses on individuals who have had a recent stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA, often called a "mini-stroke") and who are still in the hospital (initial hospitalization or rehabilitation stay). The purpose of the study is to determine whether treatment for sleep apnea in patients who have had a stroke or TIA improves recovery from stroke and helps prevent future stroke, heart problems, and death. Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing stops or nearly stops repeatedly during sleep. This condition affects most (about 75 out of 100) stroke and TIA patients.

Condition:

Stroke

Participant Requirements:

Be between 30–80 years old. Patients 30 to 49 years old are required to meet additional criteria; with transient ischemic attack or non-severe stroke within 30 days of enrollment.

Summary:

This study focuses on patients who have been evaluated and/or treated by a neurosurgeon and/or neurologist at Cedars-Sinai for symptomatic intracranial stenosis. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the outcomes of a surgical approach called indirect revascularization (encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis or EDAS) for narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain.

Condition:

Stroke

Participant Requirements:

• Have stroke symptom onset within 4.5 to 24 hours
• Be at least 18 years old
• Show signs and symptoms consistent with the diagnosis of an acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke

Summary:

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of a drug called tenecteplase to placebo (inactive substance) in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Participants will receive either tenecteplase or placebo (inactive substance), in addition to the current standard of care for stroke.