NIH Clinical Research Studies

Protocol Number: 01-N-0145

Active Accrual, Protocols Recruiting New Patients

Title:
Screening: Neurologic Disorders with Muscle Stiffness
Number:
01-N-0145
Summary:
This study will evaluate patients with muscle stiffness for possible participation in current or future research studies. It will determine the cause of muscle stiffness or cramps and measure the severity of symptoms.

Children and adults with muscle stiffness, cramps or spasticity may be eligible for this study. Participants will provide a medical history and have a physical examination. In addition to the standard neurological examination, patients may be tested on how long it takes to make some movements, such as walking or tapping on a keyboard. To determine the cause of the muscle problem, patients may also undergo blood tests and the following procedures:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to show structural and chemical changes in tissue. The patient lies on a table in a space enclosed by a metal cylinder (the scanner) for about 45 minutes, lying very still for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. The patient can communicate with the technician at all times during the procedure.

Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies - EMG measures the electrical activity of the muscles. A needle is inserted into a muscle to record its electrical activity. Nerve conduction studies measure the speed with which nerves conduct electrical impulses. A wire is taped on the skin over a nerve to deliver a small electrical stimulus and another wire taped to the skin records the impulses.

Patients will also be asked to fill out a health questionnaire no more than once a year. The information will be used to determine their eligibility for new studies.

Sponsoring Institute:
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Recruitment Detail
Type: Participants currently recruited/enrolled
Gender: Male & Female
Referral Letter Required: Yes
Population Exclusion(s): None

Eligibility Criteria:
INCLUSION CRITERIA

Adult or pediatric patients with involuntary muscle contraction, muscle cramps, or spasticity.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

Non-neurological disorders producing muscle stiffness, such as fasciitis or rheumatological conditions.

Disorders in which pain limits the ability to move muscles, such as fibromyalgia or complex regional pain syndromes.

Profound weakness of voluntary movement.

Anticoagulation will be an exclusion for needle EMG.

Implanted devices or metal fragments in the brain or spinal cord will be an exclusion for MRI scanning.

Special Instructions:
Currently Not Provided
Keywords:
Spasms
Spasticity
Cramps
Neuromyotonia
EMG
Recruitment Keyword(s):
Muscle Stiffness
Involuntary Muscle Contraction
Spasticity
Isaacs Syndrome
Condition(s):
Neurological Disorder
Muscle Cramp
Investigational Drug(s):
None
Investigational Device(s):
None
Intervention(s):
None
Supporting Site:
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Contact(s):
Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office
Building 61
10 Cloister Court
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4754
Toll Free: 1-800-411-1222
TTY: 301-594-9774 (local),1-866-411-1010 (toll free)
Fax: 301-480-9793

Electronic Mail:prpl@mail.cc.nih.gov

Citation(s):
Benign nocturnal leg cramps Current controversies over use of quinine

Exercise-induced muscle cramp Proposed mechanisms and management

Diseases associated with excess motor unit activity

Active Accrual, Protocols Recruiting New Patients

If you have:


Command Menu Bar

Search The Studies | Help | Questions |
Clinical Center Home | NIH Home


Clinical Center LogoNational Institutes of Health Clinical Center Bethesda, Maryland 20892. Last update: 01/30/2009
Search The Studies Help Questions