Bethesda, MDNCT02659956Now EnrollingIRB Ready

Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Trial in Bethesda, MD

Access cutting-edge multiple sclerosis treatment through this clinical trial at a research site in Bethesda. Study-provided care at no cost to qualified participants.

Sponsored by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

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Expert Care in Bethesda

Access multiple sclerosis specialists at no cost

IRB Approved

This study follows strict safety protocols and ethical guidelines

No-Cost Care

All study-related multiple sclerosis treatment provided free

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Check if you qualify for this multiple sclerosis clinical trial in Bethesda, MD

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Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

Why Participate?

  • No-Cost Study Care

  • Local to Bethesda

    Convenient for MD residents

  • Cutting-Edge Treatment

    Access to innovative therapies

  • Expert Medical Care

    Close monitoring by specialists

  • Possible Compensation*

    For time and travel

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Simple Process

  1. 1Submit this form
  2. 2Phone screening
  3. 3Visit Bethesda site if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Multiple Sclerosis Study in Bethesda

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that damages the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). This leads to increased physical disability over time. The disease is lifelong once it begins. Researchers want to learn more about MS s stages and follow them until a person s death. Objective: To understand how the physical and clinical signs of MS relate to its changes over time. Eligibility: Adults age 18 or older with MS or a disease of the brain and spinal cord that may act like MS. Design: Participants will have a medical history and a complete neurological exam. They may have timed tests of neurological function, such as a 25-foot walk and a 9-hole peg test. Participants will have multi-day visits about once a year. Participants will have blood drawn. Participants may have a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. They may also have an MRI of the spinal cord. They may get a contrast agent (dye) injected into a tube in an arm vein. During the MRI, participants will lie on a table that slides in and out of a metal cylinder. Participants will have the thickness of their retina measured using optical coherence tomography. A camera on top of a table uses lasers. Participants will look through a lens and follow instructions. Eye drops may be used to dilate the pupils. Participants will chew on a piece of sterile cotton for 1 minute to collect saliva. Participants agree to have an autopsy at the time of their death and to donate some of their organs to research, such as the brain and spinal cord.

Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

Diagnosis of MS according to consensus criteria at the time of enrollment OR diagnosis of a disease that shares clinical, imaging, or biological features with MS OR individuals without known CNS disease.
Age greater than or equal to 18.
Able to participate in study procedures and provide high-quality clinical research data (for example, prior MRI scans show ability to tolerate the MRI scan with minimal motion artifact).
Willing to return to NIH for follow-up visits approximately annually (or every 5 years for non-CNS controls) until the time of autopsy. Note: participants who become too sick to return to NIH will not be removed from the study.
Willing to undergo autopsy with donation of at least the brain, spinal cord, and retinas.
Able to provide informed consent at the time of initial study enrollment and willing to appoint a Durable Power of Attorney (DPA) if an advanced directive is not already in place.
Except for non-CNS controls, simultaneously participating in another screening or natural history protocol within the NINDS Neuroimmunology Clinic at the time of study entry.
Eligible NIH employees and staff may participate.

Exclusion Criteria

Unwilling to allow sharing and/or use in future studies of coded samples and data that are collected for this study.

Not sure if you qualify? Submit your interest and a study coordinator will help determine your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is this study available in Bethesda?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT02659956) has an active research site in Bethesda, MD that is currently enrolling participants.

Q:Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. This study has been reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals. You can withdraw at any time.

Q:Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time and travel expenses. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is provided at no cost.

Q:Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

Still have questions? Our study coordinators are here to help.

Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Options in Bethesda, MD

If you're searching for multiple sclerosis treatment options in Bethesda, MD, this clinical trial (NCT02659956) may be an excellent opportunity. Clinical trials provide access to cutting-edge treatments that aren't yet available to the general public, often at no cost to participants.

Our Bethesda research site is actively enrolling participants for this clinical trial. You'll receive care from experienced multiple sclerosis specialists who are at the forefront of medical research. All study-related care, including examinations, treatments, and monitoring, is provided at no cost to qualified participants.

Looking for more options? Browse all multiple sclerosis clinical trials near you to find additional studies recruiting in your area.

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