RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

7T Imaging Pilot-study in Patients With Motor Neuron Disease to Find Non-Invasive Disease Imaging Biomarkers

This research study aims to improve how we diagnose Motor Neuron Disease (MND) and its different types. MND is a condition that affects nerve cells controlling movement, speech, and breathing. It can be hard to diagnose early. Researchers are using a special, very powerful MRI scanner (called 7T MRI) to get super-detailed pictures of the brain. They want to find specific patterns or 'fingerprints' in these scans that are unique to MND. Finding these patterns could help doctors diagnose MND faster and more accurately, identify its specific type, and guide patients to the most suitable treatments or clinical trials sooner. This is a small first step (pilot study) to see if this new scanning method is effective.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Enrolment target

Start

13 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

30 Nov 2026

ALS - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

What is this study about?

This study is about making it quicker and easier to diagnose Motor Neuron Disease (MND). MND is a serious condition that affects the nerves responsible for controlling your muscles, leading to problems with movement, speaking, swallowing, and breathing. There are different types of MND, and it can take a long time to get a diagnosis, which means valuable time is lost.

The main goal of this research is to use a special kind of brain scan, called an MRI, to find new ways to spot MND earlier. This study uses a very advanced MRI scanner (called a 7T MRI) that creates much clearer and more detailed pictures of the brain than standard MRI machines. Researchers hope to find unique signs or 'imaging biomarkers' in these detailed scans that are specific to MND and its different types.

This is a 'pilot study', which means it's a small, initial research project. The information they gather from this study will help them plan larger studies in the future. Ultimately, they hope to develop a fast and accurate way to diagnose MND. This would be a big step forward, as it could help people with MND get into suitable treatment studies sooner and receive care that is better suited to their specific type of MND.

Key takeaways

Aims to find new, faster ways to diagnose MND.
Uses a very powerful 7T MRI scanner for super-detailed brain images.
Hopes to identify unique 'fingerprints' of MND in brain scans.
Pilot study – results will help plan future, larger research.
Could lead to earlier diagnosis and more tailored treatments for MND patients.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and able to understand the study well enough to agree to take part. You must have already been diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND).

There are some reasons you might not be able to join. For example, if you have certain metal implants in your body, tattoos on your head or neck, or if you're pregnant, the special MRI scanner might not be safe for you. You also need to be able to lie still and comfortably in the scanner for the scan duration. If you have significant memory or thinking problems, or another serious brain condition that might confuse the results, you might not be eligible. Also, if you have trouble breathing that makes lying flat difficult, or if you can't speak or understand English, you wouldn't be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a confirmed diagnosis of Motor Neuron Disease (MND)?
Are you able to lie still and comfortably for an MRI scan?
Do you have no metal implants (like a pacemaker) or certain tattoos that might be affected by the MRI?
Are you able to understand study information and give your consent?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will have a detailed MRI scan of your brain using the special 7T scanner. This scan will take place at a dedicated scanning facility. There are no medications involved in this study. The researchers will also gather some basic health information about you. The total duration of your involvement will be a single visit, which includes time for preparation, the scan itself, and any checks needed before and after. There is no long-term follow-up required after this one visit.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't directly improve your health, but the information gained could help future patients by leading to faster MND diagnoses and better treatments. The main risk is linked to the MRI scan itself, which is generally safe but might not be suitable for people with certain metal implants or conditions that make it hard to lie still. You might feel uncomfortable or enclosed during the scan. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care.

Locations (1)

ICE Building
Verified postcode
Glasgow, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Motor Neuron Disease (MND)?

MND is a condition that affects the nerves in your brain and spinal cord that control your muscles. Over time, these nerves stop working, leading to muscle weakness.

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body, including your brain. It does not use X-rays.

What is a '7T' MRI?

A 7T MRI is a special type of MRI scanner that uses a much stronger magnet than standard scanners. This allows it to create incredibly detailed pictures of the brain, which can help researchers see things more clearly.

Will this study help me personally?

This study is for research, so it won't directly treat your MND. However, the information gathered could help doctors diagnose and treat future patients with MND more effectively.

Is the MRI scan safe?

MRI scans are generally very safe. However, due to the very strong magnet, it's not suitable for people with certain metal implants or conditions. The research team will check if it's safe for you.

How to find out more

George H Gorrie, MA. MB.ChB. Ph.D FRCP (Ed)

george.gorrie2@nhs.scot 01412327542 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.