Disease Description:

Motor neuron diseases are disorders in which nerve cells that control voluntary muscles undergo degeneration. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), and progressive muscle atrophy (PMA) are examples. Some motor neuron diseases affect the lower motor neurons in the spinal cord. Others affect the upper motor neurons in the brain. Motor neuron diseases cause muscles to become weak. This leads to problems with walking, hand movements, or breathing.

General Study Procedures:

The research studies listed below are currently open for enrollment for adult subjects. Clinical examinations, neurophysiological testing, imaging, and neuropsychological tests are used to better understand motor neuron diseases. Please see the links for the procedures and eligibility criteria for specific studies. There is no cost for participation or for any tests associated with the research.

Studies Actively Recruiting Patients:

00-N-0043: Study of Inherited Neurological Disorders

11-N-0171: Effects of functional exercise in patients with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy

For more information about participating in these studies, please contact :
For protocol 00-N-0043 Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office NIH, DHHS Bldg. 61, #10 Cloister Court Bethesda, MD 20892-4754 Tel: 800-411-1222; 866-411-1010 (TTY) Email: prpl@mail.cc.nih.gov
For protocol 11-N-0171 Angela Kokkinis, BSN, RN Tel: 301 451 8146 Email: akokkinis@cc.nih.gov
or
Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office toll-free at: 1-800-411-1222 TTY: 1-866-411-1010

For more information on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis:

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/motor_neuron_diseases/motor_neuron_diseases.htm

Related Links:

ClinicalTrials.gov