Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

OPM- MEG in Non-immune And iMmune-medIated Neurological Disease

This study looks at how certain brain conditions, especially those where the body's immune system attacks the brain, affect children aged 2 to 15. Conditions like autoimmune encephalitis and multiple sclerosis, and other brain illnesses, can lead to long-term issues like memory problems or difficulty sleeping, which standard scans might miss. Researchers are using a new, child-friendly brain scanning method called OPM-MEG, along with other scans and tests, to get a clearer picture of these brain changes. The goal is to better understand these conditions, predict how they might progress, and find new ways to monitor brain health, ultimately helping doctors give children the best possible care.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Aston University

Enrolment target

Start

15 May 2026

Estimated completion

15 Sep 2034

Autoimmune Encephalitis (AE)Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis Multiple Sclerosis

What is this study about?

Doctors have become much better at diagnosing and treating brain conditions where the body's own immune system attacks itself. These conditions include illnesses like autoimmune encephalitis, ADEM, and multiple sclerosis. However, even with improved treatments, many children still experience lasting problems such as memory issues, emotional difficulties, sleep problems, and challenges with social interaction. Unfortunately, standard brain scans and tests often don't pick up on these specific problems.

This study aims to get a deeper understanding of how these brain conditions affect children, comparing them with other types of brain illness. Researchers will be using a new, very advanced brain scanning technology called OPM-MEG. This special scan is particularly exciting because it's gentle enough for very young children, even those as young as two years old. It builds on earlier research that showed changes in brain activity are linked to memory problems.

By using this new technology, together with other types of scans and detailed psychological tests, the study hopes to achieve several important goals. It aims to help doctors better understand the effects of these conditions on a child's developing brain, predict how their condition might progress, and ultimately discover new ways to track their brain health over time. This could lead to earlier and more effective support for children living with these conditions.

Key takeaways

A groundbreaking study using advanced brain imaging for children aged 2-15.
Focuses on conditions where the immune system affects the brain, like autoimmune encephalitis and MS.
Aims to understand long-term issues like memory and sleep problems that standard tests miss.
Uses new child-friendly OPM-MEG scans, alongside other imaging and psychological tests.
Could help predict outcomes and find better ways to track brain health in the future.
Participation involves 1 to 3 visits over several years, with breaks and refreshments provided.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for children and young people between the ages of 2 and 25 who have been diagnosed with a brain condition where their immune system is involved. Examples include autoimmune encephalitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), or multiple sclerosis.

They also welcome children aged 2 to 15 who have been diagnosed with other types of brain conditions, such as a stroke. All participants, or a parent/guardian for those under 16, must be able to understand and agree to take part in the study.

You cannot take part if you have metal in your body that would prevent an MRI scan, or if you usually need to be sedated (given medicine to make you sleep) for MRI scans. Also, if a child says they don't want to take part at any point, they won't be included.

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.

Is your child aged between 2 and 25 years?
Has your child been diagnosed with an immune-related brain condition (e.g., autoimmune encephalitis, MS)?
Or, is your child aged between 2 and 15 and has another brain condition like a stroke?
Does your child have any metal in their body or need sedation for an MRI scan (this would prevent participation)?
Can you, as a parent/guardian (if under 16), provide informed consent?
Is your child able to agree to take part, or simply not object to participating?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study could involve a few visits over several years. For some participants, there will be three study visits: one at the start, one after two years, and another after five years. Other participants will have just one study visit.

At the first visit, which lasts about 5 hours (and can be split into two shorter visits within a two-week period), your child will have special brain scans (OPM-MEG, MEG, and MRI), as well as some tests to check memory and thinking skills, and will fill out some questionnaires. The follow-up visits, at 2 and 5 years, will involve the brain scans and questionnaires, lasting around 3 hours each.

During any visit, your child can take as many breaks as needed, lasting from 15 minutes to an hour. Refreshments will be provided, and Aston University, where the tests take place, also has shops and cafes. Someone else, like a family member, can be with your child during the recordings. If you live far from Birmingham, the study can offer overnight accommodation for the visits.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help us better understand complex brain conditions in children, which might lead to improved ways to diagnose and treat these illnesses in the future. While there are no direct health benefits for participants during the study, your involvement is very valuable for future research and treatment. The scans used are safe and do not involve radiation. The main inconvenience is the time commitment for the visits and tests, which can be long. You or your child can stop participating at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your child's medical care.

Locations (1)

Aston University
Verified postcode
Birmingham, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is OPM-MEG?

OPM-MEG is a new, special type of brain scan that can measure tiny electrical signals in the brain. It's gentle and works well even for very young children.

Will my child receive any treatment in this study?

No, this study is about understanding brain conditions, not providing treatment. Any medical care your child needs will continue to be provided by their doctor.

How long will the study visits take?

The first visit will take about 5 hours, but it can be split into two shorter visits if needed. Follow-up visits will take around 3 hours each.

Can someone stay with my child during the tests?

Yes, another adult, like a parent or guardian, is welcome to be present during the research recordings.

What if my child decides they don't want to continue?

That's perfectly fine. Your child can withdraw from the study at any time, and it won't affect their medical care in any way.