Spinal Cord MRI Study in Boston

[doublevision1]

Today I spoke with a neurologist at BWH in Boston about a study they are undertaking that I am interested in, and want to share the information in case anyone here is also interested.

BWH has received funding from NIH and the MS Society to study how MS affects the spinal cord by using high strength (3T) MRI.  Participants are currently being sought, both MS patients and healthy subjects.  The neuro I spoke with today advised that 4 visits to the study site would be required.  The first would involve a clinic visit and neurological exam.  Within a short period of time, one would return to the study site for the first MRI.  Two follow up MRI’s are done, at one year and two years after the initial one.  Cognitive testing is also part of the study, I think done at the start and again at the end, but I’m not certain of these details.

I am considering entering this study if they can book my first two visits close together so that these would only involve one trip.  I’m prepared to return to Boston for three trips in total over three years as I think this is a very worthwhile study and also, I am interested in having a record of changes in my spinal cord done on the 3T.  The neuro told me that the MRIs for this purpose aren’t interpreted by their neuro-radiologists; they are for research, not clinical purposes, so no report provided to the study subject.  However he did say I would be given copies of the MRIs on CD and my regular neuro could review and interpret them for me, if he is willing.

So I’m waiting to hear back from the neuro researcher in Boston, and if they can coordinate my visits so that it limits my travel to three trips to Boston, I’m seriously considering signing up.  I would probably wait a bit and start the study in March or April.  I loved visiting Boston this past summer, and I could make a little vacation out of each trip.  I didn't do nearly enough shopping the last time, lol.  

See page 2 in the BWH 2008 Fall newsletter for more info ont he study:

http: // serv01.siteground177. com /~partner4/assets/files/MS%20Newsletter%20Oct%202008.pdf

Hopefully this link will work.  Make sure you delete the spaces after you paste the URL.

[doublevision1]

Try this instead:

www. partnersmscenter. org/

and click on "Newsletter - October 2008" under "Headlines" on the far right side of the screen.

[doublevision1]

If there is, you know I'll be planning my trips around their schedule.  

8 more sleeps till Faust!!

[jensequitur]

http://serv01.siteground177.com/%7Epartner4/assets/files/MS%20Newsletter%20Oct%202008.pdf

There seemed to be something wrong with the link, so I went looking!  I don't think it's you - their site is a little weird.  Is this the one you had posted previously?  

[OperaMBA]

Is there an opera in town?