Clinical Research Directory

Neurosurgical Outcome Network

The evaluation of neurosurgical outcomes varies from center to center, and the predictive factors that determine these outcomes are not fully known or shared. This study aims to assess outcomes and their predictors using measures agreed upon by the participating centers. Standardizing the evaluation of outcomes and predictors improves the quality of research, allows for data comparison, and facilitates a "common language" in routine clinical practice. Most importantly, it influences therapeutic decisions in various neurosurgical conditions. Clinically, the identified predictors can also be used during preoperative assessments to provide more precise guidance to patients undergoing surgery.

White Matter Distortion and Dementia Biomarkers in Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)

Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a progressive condition of the elderly that results in severe disability. iNPH can dramatically respond to Cerebral spinal fluid(CSF)-shunting where excess ventricular fluid is diverted from the brain. Not all patients with iNPH respond to CSF-shunting however. The reasons for this are uncertain. Aim 1: To understand if specific nerve pathways (white matter tracts) that are near ventricles are damaged in patients that respond to shunting as opposed to those that do not. Aim 2: Can we explain shunt non-responsiveness by screening for dementia like illnesses (neurodegeneration) using a large array of methods. Aim 3: To understand whether wearable activity and bed sleep monitors are palatable in a NPH population and to understand if these metrics relate to quality of life. Aim 4: To see whether self-administered digital cognitive assessments can measure improvements pre and post surgery.

Evaluation of the Safety and Effectiveness of the CereVasc® eShunt® System in Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Prospective, multi-center, randomized, controlled trial of the eShunt System in the treatment of patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Non-invasive Diagnostics of Shunt Obstruction in Adult Hydrocephalus

The goal of this RCT is to test whether volumetric assessment of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could diagnose shunt obstruction in Adult Hydrocephalus patients, and in addition to explore correlations of blood biomarkers surrounding shunt obstruction. Thirdly to investigate correlations with clinical symptom burden before and after surgery. The main questions it aims to answer are: Can volumetric assessment of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) aid in diagnosis of shunt obstruction? Are there dynamical changes in blood biomarker concentrations after shunt obstruction? How are clinical symptom burden and dynamics correlated with blood biomarker changes and volumetric changes in CSF? After three months of shunt treatment, researchers will compare patients with "Virtual OFF" setting, to explore if simulated shunt obstruction affect measures mentioned above. Participants randomized to the intervention group will undergo the 'Virtual OFF' setting for a period of 5-7 days, starting 3 months after initiation of shunt treatment. Symptom burden will be assessed preoperatively, at follow-up, and following the week of the shunt setting change. MRI scans will be conducted at these same time points. Participants in the control group will also meet with a nurse, but their shunt settings will remain unchanged. The control group will receive the same symptom assessments and MRI scans as the intervention group.

Addressing Health Disparities in Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) in Maryland

The study aims to estimate Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) prevalence and evaluate health equity gaps in Baltimore and Maryland based on zip codes and race, with a focus on the Black community. Interventions will include educational elements about NPH and three layers targeting patients, Primary Care Providers, and community health workers to enhance care access. Short-term outcomes will measure referrals to specialists, while long-term outcomes will assess healthcare utilization. The study aims to identify and reduce racial disparities in NPH care access, informing intervention strategies for NPH and other surgical areas.

Proteinopathies Expression in Skin of Neurodegenerative Disorders

The goal of this observational study is to compare the aggregation pattern of proteinopathies (alpha-synuclein, amyloid-beta, phosphorylated tau and transactive response DNA -binding protein 43 \[TDP43\]) in skin biopsies of patients with a neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal lobe dementia, Parkinson's disease, atypical Parkinsonism, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or normal pressure hydrocephalus. The main question it aims to answer is: * Is there a specific pattern of aggregation of proteinopathies in skin biopsies in each neurodegenerative disease in comparison to healthy control subjects? Skin biopsies will be analyzed using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence for detection of alpha-synuclein, amyloid-beta, phosphorylated tau and TAR DNA binding protein 43, and the aggregation patterns will be compared between patients with a neurodegenerative disease vs patient with normal pressure hydrocephalus vs healthy control subjects.

European Study of Prodromal iNPH

To investigate if progression from prodromal into symptomatic NPH can be predicted from advanced neuroimaging, biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma and investigate the unknown mechanisms causing deterioration by investigating longitudinal changes in the above-mentioned variables. Three different cohorts with both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients as well as healthy controls will be investigated over time, both without intervention and before and after shunt surgery.

Identifying Gait Changes From a CSF Tap Test Using a Smart Insole in iNPH

The goal of this clinical trial is to to evaluate various gait parameters by a sensor-embedded smart insole before and after the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tap test in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) patients. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does the CSF tap test enhance gait and balance parameters in participants? * Does the CSF tap test enhance cognitive and urinary symptoms in participants? Researchers will compare pre- and post-CSF tap test gait and balance parameters by a sensor-embedded smart insole. Participants will: * Participate in physical function assessments including the 10-meter walk test, Timed Up and Go test, and Berg Balance Scale wearing sensor-embedded smart insoles before and after the CSF tap test. * Complete survey about cognitive and unary symptoms before and after the CSF tap test.