Establishing a novel neural tissue deformation biomarker for type 1 chiari malformation

From niml.org
Share/Save/Bookmark
MR measurement of Chiari patient.


Team

Problem

Untreated Type 1 Chiari malformation (CM1) is a devastating neurological disorder that can be treated by a high risk and costly brain operation. Since the decision to operate is often based on common symptoms, such as severe headache, along with a single imaging measure of cerebellar position that is commonly recognized as inadequate, the concern for under- and especially over-treatment is high. With an estimated 4-5 million in the US carrying the current inadequate anatomical marker of cerebellar descent >5 mm below the foramen magnum, and approximately 97% of these millions demonstrating only minimal symptoms or symptoms with other unrelated etiologies, there is a potential for tens of thousands of inappropriate operations with corresponding bad outcomes, while others suffer untreated. The CM1 public critically needs a biomarker that better reflects CM1 pathophysiology, allowing physicians a more accurate surgical selection.

Study Information

We are currently enrolling subjects for this study. This study involves 1 non-invasive MRI scan at Inland Imaging in Spokane, WA. Subjects with diagnosed ALS and age/gender matched controls are needed. Participants must be able to lay on their back in the MRI scanner for the 1-hour scanning period. We can provide the MR images to participants free of charge. Please click on the links below to learn more.