Spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging in multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) causes inflammation and nerve damage in the brain and spinal cord, leading to disability. While brain changes in MS are widely researched, less is known about damage along the spinal cord, especially soon after diagnosis. This pilot study, called CORD-MS, is based in Edinburgh. It uses standard and specialised MRI scans to look closely at the entire spinal cord in people recently diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS. Researchers want to measure nerve shrinkage and tissue health to see how early spinal damage links to physical symptoms. Taking part involves two hospital visits over six months. Each visit includes an MRI scan and simple mobility and nerve checks. The study does not test any new drugs or use contrast dyes. Findings from this research could help doctors track MS more accurately and help scientists design more targeted treatments in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a long-term condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective layer around nerves, known as myelin. This happens in both the brain and the spinal cord, disrupting the messages traveling between your brain and the rest of your body. Because the spinal cord carries so many vital signals, damage here is closely linked to mobility problems and disability. However, most research up to now has focused on the brain, leaving important questions about the spinal cord unanswered.
This study, run by researchers at the University of Edinburgh, focuses on people who have been diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS within the last six months. The team is testing new ways to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans along the full length of the spine. These scans can measure both the thickness of the spinal cord and microscopic changes in the nerve fibres themselves. By catching these details early, researchers hope to discover clear physical 'markers' that reveal how the condition is behaving.
Ultimately, this work aims to make MS care more personal and effective. Because MS is unpredictable and affects everyone differently, having reliable ways to measure spinal nerve health could help doctors choose the right therapies sooner. It also lays the groundwork for larger clinical trials investigating treatments designed to protect and repair damaged nerves.
Key takeaways
- Tests new MRI methods to look closely at the full spinal cord in early MS.
- Open to adults diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS in the last six months.
- Requires two hospital visits over six months, each lasting about two hours.
- Involves safe MRI scans without any injections, contrast dyes, or radiation.
- Aims to improve future MS treatments and help predict how the condition progresses.
Who may be eligible?
This study is designed for adults aged between 18 and 70 who have received a diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS within the past six months. Participants must be able to understand the study details and give their own informed consent.
To ensure the scan results are clear and directly linked to early MS, people cannot take part if they have already started disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) or joined another interventional medical trial before their first visit.
You also will not be able to join if you have a history of serious spinal injuries, other conditions affecting the nervous system, or anything that makes having an MRI unsafe, such as a heart pacemaker or certain metal implants.
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.
- I am between 18 and 70 years old.
- I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS within the last 6 months.
- I have not yet started a disease-modifying treatment (DMT) for MS.
- I have never had a major spinal cord injury.
- I do not have any metal implants or devices (like a pacemaker) that prevent me from having an MRI scan.
- I can travel to Edinburgh for two appointments over a six-month period.
What does participation involve?
Taking part in this study lasts for about six months and involves two separate visits to the clinic in Edinburgh: one at the start of the study and another six months later.
At each visit, you will have a spinal cord MRI scan that takes about one hour. You will also spend about an hour doing standard clinical checks with a researcher, which involve simple physical and mobility tests to measure disability. You will not need to take any new medications, and the MRI scan does not use any injections or contrast dye. In total, you can expect each visit to take around two hours.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology ClinicCity onlyEdinburgh, Scotland
Common questions
Will taking part alter my usual MS treatment?
No. The study only involves observation through MRI scans and simple physical checks. However, you must not have started disease-modifying treatments before your very first study scan.
Does the MRI scan involve any injections or dyes?
No. This study uses non-invasive MRI techniques that do not require any contrast dye or needle injections.
Where do the study visits take place?
Visits take place at the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, run with the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Yes. You can withdraw from the study at any point without needing to give an explanation, and your normal healthcare will continue as usual.
Will I get the results of my research scans right away?
These are specialised research scans rather than standard hospital checks, so individual results are not typically used to guide your immediate day-to-day care.
How to find out more
Rozanna Meijboom
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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