Study Locator
Search Criteria: Brain Health Studies;
ABBV-951: A Study Drug for People with Parkinson's Disease
Parkinsons disease (PD) causes nerve damage in the brain making it difficult for people to move. ABBV-951 is a study drug to help people with symptoms. Research is needed to learn the safety and effectiveness of the drug and how it reacts when it is given under the skin of a persons body. The information we learn may aid future patients. (IRB#: IRB_00153168)
Adolescent and Young Adults with SCN8A Randomized trial with placebo or NBI-921352
The purpose of this clinical research study is: to find out if the use of study drug NBI-921352 along with the current therapies you are already receiving can help with the treatment of SCN8A Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy Syndrome (SCN8A-DEE) by looking at how it affects things such as your symptoms, quality of life, severity of seizures and frequency of seizures. to assess the pharmacokinetics (how the body absorbs, distributes, and gets rid of the study drug of NBI-921352 and to determine its effect on the plasma levels of concomitant (other) antiseizure medications and evaluated metabolites. to evaluate the safety and tolerability of NBI-921352. (IRB#: IRB_00150547)
Benefit of Focused Ultrasound Treatment of Essential Tremor to Individuals With Vocal Tremor
The purpose of this study is to determine whether individuals being treated for their essential tremor significantly impairing hand/arm function also experience benefit to their voice tremor. This study will evaluate pre-treatment and post-treatment changes to voice tremor using clinical questionnaires, observation of tremor in structures of the face, jaw, tongue, and throat as well as using audio recordings and patient self-report. Individuals previously seen in the Voice Disorders Center where recordings of their throat were saved, post-FUS recordings can be made 3 months or longer after treatment is completed if participants express interest in this option. (IRB#: IRB_00138236)
Brain Effects of CBD and THC
How do cannabis products such as CBD and THC affect brain function involved in attention, behavior, emotion, and cognition? Why do CBD and THC have different effects on individuals? Answering these questions may help many patients seeking cannabis related therapies. This is where you come in. We need volunteers to receive various combinations of CBD, THC, and a placebo while undergoing MRI brain scans. Whats involved? Five 3-hour appointments Visits will consist of blood draws, urine samples, neuropsychological tests, MRI brain scans, and oral administration of CBD/THC products Participants must provide someone to drive them home after visits 2-5 Whats in it for you? Report from MRI brain scan and pictures of your brain Contributing to a better understanding of the effects of cannabinoids in the brain Compensation for study participation Are you eligible? No neurological or psychological disorder No tobacco use (last 60 days) No marijuana use (last 30 days) No illicit drugs/opioids (last 60 days or history of dependency or abuse) Females cannot be pregnant Take the eligibility survey today! https://is.gd/cbdstudy (IRB#: IRB_00127478)
CAP-1002: A Study Drug for Human Allogeneic Cardioshere-Derived Cells for People with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a disease that weakens people's muscles over time. CAP-1002 is a study drug to help people with this disease. Research is needed to learn the safety and effectiveness of the drug. This information we gain may aid future patients. (IRB#: IRB_00150933)
Chronic Non-Cancer pain MRI research study evaluating the effects of oral cannabis on chronic pain
The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of two substances derived from cannabis (THC and CBD) in participants with chronic non-cancer pain compared with a placebo. The study drug will be administered as an extract mixed in chocolate pudding. Participants will be allowed to stay on their current pain treatments for the study but may not add any more medications during the study. Participation in this study will be confidential. This study has been approved by the FDA, DEA, and University of Utah IRB. (IRB#: IRB_00103451)
Compare the Study Drug Remibrutinib to an approved drug Teriflunomide for People with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (RMS)
MS is a long-lasting disease that can affect a persons brain and spinal cord. Teriflunomide is an approved drug to reduce relapsing MS (RMS). Remibrutinib is a study drug to reduce RMS. Research is needed to learn the safety and effectiveness of the study drug. While also seeing if it reduces RMS better than Teriflunomide. The information we learn will aid future patients. (IRB#: IRB_00152490)
Effect of Levodopa on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate in People with Parkinson's Disease
Levodopa is the most common medication used to treat the symptoms of Parkinsons disease (PD). Research is needed for us to better understand how Levodopa affects blood pressure and heart rate. The information we learn will improve our knowledge of the medication to provide the best care for people with PD. (IRB#: IRB_00152581)
Effect of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) on the Brain with Emotions
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a safe way to help a persons brain. Research is needed to understand how the brain works when a person is emotional. The information we learn will help us know the impact repeated TMS over the front of the brain has on a persons emotions. (IRB#: IRB_00109039)
Elucidating Brainstem Contributions to Visceral and Somatic Motor Dysfunction after mTBI
Optimal rehabilitative care following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) should be based on approaches that target the key underlying mechanism of dysfunction. However, the underpinnings of motor problems after mTBI, including imbalance and improper regulation of heart rate and blood pressure, remain unclear. This project will use state-of-the-art neuroimaging methods and detailed testing of motor function to examine the role of the brainstem in motor problems to better guide care in people with mTBI. Participants will have an MRI brain scan and complete several tests of mobility, cardiovascular, and pupillary function at two visits, separated three months apart. (IRB#: IRB_00135817)
EndoVascular Device for People with Wide-Neck Aneurysms
A wide-neck brain aneurysm is an abnormally enlarged blood vessel usually an artery, due to a defect, disease, or injury. The EndoVasucular device is to help people with the aneurysm. Research is needed to learn the safety and effectiveness of the device. The information we gain may aid future patients. (IRB#: IRB_00131046)
Evaluation of Sensory Tricks in Individuals with Laryngeal Dystonia or Essential Vocal Tremor
Laryngeal dystonia (LD) is a rare neurogenic voice disorder that results in an intermittently strained-strangled or breathy voice quality during speaking. Essential tremor of the voice (ETv) is another neurogenic voice disorder typically perceived as a shaky voice quality but sometimes associated with a similar voice quality to LD, making it challenging for clinicians to distinguish these voice disorders. A correct diagnosis is essential for accurate and effective treatment of these voice disorders. However, clinical voice experts often confuse these disorders and frequently disagree with each other when judging voice quality or observing speech structures. Development of clinical tools that help clinicians make the correct diagnosis of these disorders is a priority. Therefore, we propose studying a characteristic of dystonias, sensory tricks. A sensory trick is a phenomenon diagnostic of dystonias described as a short-term improvement of symptoms due to sensory cues like touching or supporting a body part or being distracted by a sound. This phenomenon is well studied in other kinds of dystonia but has not been systematically evaluated in LD. This pilot study aims to evaluate whether sensory tricks improve voice symptoms in those with LD compared to those with ETv. If successful, outcomes will help identify specific sensory trick(s) that most clearly change LD symptoms and show promise for improving correct diagnosis of those with LD. The sensory tricks studied should be accessible and affordable for use during assessment by clinicians to help distinguish those with LD from ETv. Importantly, findings will inform future studies to improve utilization by clinicians. (IRB#: IRB_00130977)
HEALEY ALS Trial
This study is looking at the safety and effectiveness of four different investigational treatment regimens: Zilucoplan, Verdiperstat, CNM-Au8, and Pridopidine for ALS. Each regimen will have an active investigational product and a matching placebo that will be tested. New regimens will be continuously added as new investigational products become available. (IRB#: IRB_00143448)
Health and Safety Consequences of Poor Sleep Health
Sleep is a key factor affecting your overall health. We want to investigate if altering your nightly sleep duration impacts your bodys metabolism (how you metabolize food). We will also look at your physical activity, food intake, and cognition during the study. (IRB#: IRB_00133959)
How does brain function change during a treatment cycle of Botox injections for the voice disorder adductor laryngeal dystonia?
The purpose of this study is to find the locations in the brain that are affected by Botox injections into the throat muscles in patients who have adductor-type laryngeal dystonia (also known as adductor spasmodic dysphonia). Participation in this study involves brain scans along with assessments of the voice muscles. Brain scans involve laying still in a scanner while resting and speaking. Assessment of voice muscles involves small needles inserted into muscles in the voice box. Both procedures are well-tolerated by most people. Participants with laryngeal dystonia will have 2 brain scans and 2 voice muscle assessments over 1 Botox cycle (approximately 3-4 months). A second purpose of this study is to evaluate a specialized speech therapy program for treating laryngeal dystonia. Therapy will take place over 6 months (2 Botox cycles) and will incorporate in-person or virtual session along with home practice. Some participants may be eligible to participate by completing only 2 sets of muscle assessments or 2 sets of voice recordings. (IRB#: IRB_00143531)
Improving Assessment of Executive Functioning in Hispanic/Latino/a Older Adults
Neuropsychological evaluations are often used to help doctors determine how well an individual can live independently. However, many of the tests neuropsychologists use were developed on non-Hispanic White individuals and are not as accurate in Hispanic/Latino/a individuals. The goal of this study is to determine which measures are best for assessing functioning in Hispanic/Latino/a individuals so that neuropsychologists have a better understanding of how improve the accuracy of their assessments. (IRB#: IRB_00145891)
Improving Health of Children with MS
Kesimpta® and Mayzent® are potential medications for children with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Scientists and doctors need to learn the safety and effectiveness of these medications to improve the health of children with MS. (IRB#: IRB_00145728)
IONIS: A Study Drug to Improve Symptoms of FUS-ALS Patients
IONIS is a potential drug to reduce the body's production of the FUS protein that may contribute to ALS. Scientists and doctors need to learn the effectiveness, safety, tolerability, and breakdown of this medication to improve the symptoms of people with ALS. (IRB#: IRB_00144685)
Learning and Memory
Building new memories is known to be a long process. However, studies do show new information can be gained quicker if combined with previous knowledge. Research is needed to learn if young healthy adults build memory faster by attaching present experiences with the past. The information we learn may aid future patients. (IRB#: IRB_00155080)
Light Therapy for People with Parkinsons Disease (PD) and Sleep Problems
Parkinsons disease (PD) is a long-term decline in a persons health. Often people with this disease have sleep problems. Research is needed to know if light therapy can help people with PD sleep and improve their quality of life. The information we learn may aid future patients. (IRB#: IRB_00132239)
Massage for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is very upsetting and disabling for people. Massage is known to decrease anxiety. Research is needed to study the effects massage has on symptoms of anxiety and the brain. The information we learn will improve our knowledge of massage to provide more options of care for people with GAD. (IRB#: IRB_00153327)
Migraine Sensory Biomarkers Study
Migraine progression happens when migraines become significantly more severe or frequent. The goal of this research study is to test if sensitivity to ones environment (i.e. light, touch, sound) can predict migraine progression. By testing sensitivity using different sensory measures (such as touch, light, and sound) we hope to understand risk factors that make migraine progress from an episodic, to a chronic (near-daily), problem. The results of this study will then help future efforts to create preventive interventions in people at-risk for developing chronic migraine. Preventive interventions matter because they help avoid medication overuse headache and ultimately lower risk of progression for those with migraine. There are two main tasks of participating in this study: 1) Completing online questionnaires to evaluate headache history and symptom burden (at screening and over the following 12 months) and 2) completing sensory testing (over two visits). There is compensation associated with participation in this study. (IRB#: IRB_00135109)
Migraines and Headaches
Migraines and headaches are one of the most often pain people experience. Research is needed to better understand migraines and headaches. Including the pain, they may cause and quality of life. The information we gain may aid future patients. (IRB#: IRB_00156345)
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Reactive Balance
A Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) may result in balance difficulties. Research is needed to learn more about how probing the brain and spinal pathways improve a persons reactive balance after an mTBI. (IRB#: IRB_00147689)
Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Autoimmune Diseases, and Infection
The cause of Multiple sclerosis (MS) and autoimmune diseases is unknown. The effects of these can severely hurt a persons brain, spinal cord, and body. We want to understand how infections may relate to the diseases. The information we learn can aid future patients. (IRB#: IRB_00047316)
NERVE TRANSFERS TO IMPROVE UPPER EXTREMITY FUNCTION AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN TETRAPLEGIC PATIENTS
The purpose of this study is to gather information about the treatment of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) through the use of a surgical procedure known as a nerve transfer. SCI is a devastating condition which is thought to affect nearly 40 cases per million persons annually in the US. More than 50% SCI occur in the cervical spine (i.e., tetraplegia), resulting in some loss of arm and/or hand function. Nerve transfers are used to improve upper extremity and hand function in patients who have suffered from SCI. This is a treatment option that is available to all (appropriate) patients, and participation in this study is not necessary to receive this treatment. Participation in this study is voluntary, and is available only to those who meet certain eligibility criteria. These criteria will be reviewed on a case by case basis by the University of Utah Department of Neurosurgery's study team as potential participants express their interest in the study. Various appointments and/or diagnostic procedures may be scheduled in order to ensure the eligibility of potential patients. There is no financial cost to patients (aside from the standard costs of care) who participate in this study, and there are no direct financial benefits provided for doing so. Participants will be followed after the procedure both by the surgeon and the physical therapy team. This study does provide funding for the physical therapy services utilized in the long-term follow up phase, but this funding is limited. So participants are encouraged to schedule these visits appropriately. The information provided on this page is not exhaustive, so those who are interested in this study are encouraged to contact our study team to discuss any questions they might have. You can do this by contacting the study coordinator, Kirby Taylor, via telephone or email. (IRB#: IRB_00126462)
PD0053: A Study Drug for People with Parkinson's Disease
Parkinsons disease (PD) causes nerve damage in the brain making it difficult for people to move. This study will help to determine if the study drug can slow the progression (worsening) of PD. Due to the way the study drug works in the brain, it is not expected to provide immediate relief to PD symptoms, but it may be able to delay their start or reduce their intensity in the long term by protecting neurons. (IRB#: IRB_00154901)
Physical Therapist 6 Minute Walk Test for Adults
Physical therapists that provide rehabilitation services to adults often use a test called the 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT) to track a patients progress and set goals for their walking. Currently, a 6 minute 100 feet walk test is used. However, because 100 feet takes up a lot of space, using this test is not always easy in a rehabilitation clinic or a patients home. Research is needed to learn how far adults typically walk on a 39 feet pathway in 6 minutes. This information will improve the ability for physical therapists to track progress and design treatment plans for people with a variety of health conditions. (IRB#: IRB_00150989)
Realize Trial for Drug resistant focal onset seizures
In this study, doctors want to find out if an investigational drug called CVL-865 is effective in decreasing the number of focal onset seizures, also known as partial seizures, without causing too many side effects. (IRB#: IRB_00130130)
Registry for Adenomas of the PItuitary and related Disorders (RAPID)
This study is a surgical registry for patients who undergo surgical resection of pituitary adenomas. The registry allows surgeons and researchers to obtain more accurate data from patients because it is prospective, meaning it data is entered as the patient is treated. One problem with all prior studies is that patient charts are reviewed after treatment which can result in inaccurate data and bias. Clinical data such as visual function, endocrinology function, surgery time, and length of stay will be acquired in addition to other variables. Samples of removed tumor will be stored in the Huntsman Tumor Biobank. Patients will also be provided quality-of-life surveys, brief evaluations done at the time of clinic follow-up or by email, that allows surgeons to better understand how surgical treatment is helping their patients' life at home, ability to reenter the workplace, etc.The purpose of this study is to evaluate best practices, improve the accuracy of epidemiology information, and improve patient outcomes. This registry is part of a multicenter study where the top centers of excellence in the treatment of pituitary adenoma are collaborating to study their data together. Future plans for the registry are to expand to other types of skull base tumors to better understand patient treatment and improve outcomes. (IRB#: IRB_00144784)
Repeating Measures of Daily Functioning in Those at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease
The goal of this study is to see how tests of daily functioning and thinking change when they are repeated across one week. This study may also help doctors learn more about how these changes across one week predict risk for Alzheimers disease. (IRB#: IRB_00144575)
Sacral Neuromodulation Treatment to Improve Bladder Function and Quality of Life
Sacral neuromodulation is a treatment that may be given to improve bladder function and quality of life after a severe spinal cord injury. Research is needed to learn the safety and effectiveness of the intervention so it may be approved and used to improve the health of people suffering from spinal cord injury. (IRB#: IRB_00096153)
Study in Parkinson Disease of Exercise
This study seeks to determine if aerobic exercise influences the progression of Parkinson Disease severity. Based on previous research, we believe that aerobic exercise may protect the brain cells from being damaged and this study hopes to provide more specific evidence regarding this potential benefit. (IRB#: IRB_00136463)
Study the Comaneci Device for People with Brain Aneurysm
A brain aneurysm is a dilation off of a blood vessel, usually an artery, due to a defect, disease, or injury. Rupture of the aneurysm with resultant bleeding around the brain is the main risk that an aneurysm poses. The Comaneci device is an approved way to help people with this health issue. Research is needed to learn more about the safety and effectiveness of the device. The information we gain may aid future patients. (IRB#: IRB_00136960)
The Attention of Expert Boxers
Making instant decisions is important in a variety of settings, including sports such as boxing. When time is limited, decision-making success is strongly determined by things that influence immediate attention. Research is needed to learn whether expert boxers show better attention skills compared to untrained persons. The information we learn may aid future patients. (IRB#: IRB_00155440)
The Effect of Planning to Balance During Walking, Stepping, or Jumping Interruptions
Research is needed to find how people balance during expected or unexpected walking, stepping, or jumping. interruptions. The information we learn will help us better understand how to support people with balancing challenges. (IRB#: IRB_00145032)
Thrombectomy Treatment for Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
An acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a sudden loss of blood flow to an area of the brain. Currently, Thrombectomy is a successful treatment used for removing blood clots from the brain after an AIS. Research is needed to learn more about the safety and effectiveness of the treatment to improve the health of patients with AIS. (IRB#: IRB_00135249)
University of Utah Long Covid Registry
COVID-19 Study
Researchers at the University of Utah have established a registry to follow individuals who are experiencing prolonged symptoms after COVID-19 infection. We are interested in following people with "Long Covid" using in depth health surveys and optional blood draws to better understand this condition with the goal of ultimately developing clinical management strategies. (IRB#: IRB_00140978)
ZYN002: A Study for Children and Adolescents with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS)
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is when a gene in a persons body stops making protein. This protein is needed for a persons brain development. ZYN002 is a gel put on the skin to help children and adolescents with FXS. Research is needed to learn more about the efficacy and safety of ZYN002. The information we gain may aid future patients. (IRB#: IRB_00146490)