Characterising Cerebrovascular Function in MS using fMRI
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Characterising Cerebrovascular Function in Multiple Sclerosis using fMRI
IRAS ID
187535
Contact name
Richard Wise
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 3 days
Research summary
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological disorder where inflammatory activity in the brain eventually leads to tissue loss. Onset often occurs in young adulthood and symptoms include loss of cognitive and bodily functions as well as severe fatigue, joint pain and numbness. Although drugs exist to manage symptoms they have side effects and are not effective in treating all aspects of the condition.
Recent research suggests that dysfunction in the energy supply delivered through the brain’s vascular system (arteries, veins and capillaries) occurs early on in the disease. It is also thought that even before blood flow carrying oxygen and glucose is affected, there are abnormalities in how the brain uses energy.
The purpose of this research is to identify the extent of blood flow and energy metabolism dysfunction in people with MS compared to a control group without any neurological disorder. We will then look at how any abnormalities relate to disease symptoms such as fatigue, pain, memory, and walking ability. We will investigate brain activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) where we will acquire measures of blood flow, oxygen metabolism and the ability of the vascular system to respond to a stimulus. Tests of functions affected by MS will also carried out. These include tests of memory, walking ability and grip strength. Information about symptoms such as depression, fatigue, pain and the impact of MS on daily life will also be collected.
This study will improve understanding of how dysfunction in the brain’s vascular network contribute to the tissue loss and behavioural symptoms seen in MS. We can establish whether treatments targeting the vascular system may slow or reduce tissue loss and functional decline in people with MS.REC name
Wales REC 3
REC reference
16/WA/0042
Date of REC Opinion
8 Mar 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion