Measuring fasciculation using MRI, ultrasound and electromyography
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Comparing fasciculation frequency and distribution using MRI, ultrasound and surface electromyography.
IRAS ID
313239
Contact name
Julie Hall
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle Joint Research Office
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
The aim of this study is to compare the frequency and distribution of fasciculation (spontaneous muscle contractions) detected using 3 commonly used clinical techniques; magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound and surface electromyography. We will recruit patients with an established diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), benign fasciculation syndrome (BFS), or post-polio syndrome (PPS). These patient groups are selected because they typically have fasciculation in their muscles, and in the case of ALS and BFS this forms part of the diagnostic criteria. Patients will undergo each of these techniques in 4 body regions; head and neck, upper limbs, trunk, and legs on a single day. This is an observational study in which we will compare the frequency and distribution of fasciculation detected using each technique in each of these 4 body regions. This information will be used to determine which method is best at detecting fasciculation, which we hope in the future will improve the diagnosis of patients with diseases in which fasciculation is found.
REC name
HSC REC B
REC reference
22/NI/0129
Date of REC Opinion
3 Aug 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion