Research and Clinical Trials

Utilizing innovation and advanced technology, the Marcus Neuroscience Institute looks towards the future of medicine in creating opportunities for potential treatments beyond today’s limitations. Clinical trials involve most areas of the neurosciences including cerebrovascular disease and stroke, multiple sclerosis, migraine, movement disorders, memory disorders, seizure disorders, as well as brain and spine based tumors. Clinical trials include collaboration of healthcare professionals, academic institutions, and pharmaceutical sponsors.

Our portfolio of clinical trials include new drugs, devices and translational medicine aiming to offer cutting edge options of treatment to our patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a clinical research study?

A clinical research study is a scientific investigation in which people can help doctors find ways to treat disease and improve healthcare. These studies are a vital part of the process where new treatments are approved for use. Before the general public can use drugs and devices, they have to be tested in smaller groups of people to make sure they are both safe and effective.

Why would you agree to take part in a clinical research study?

Participating in a clinical research study gives you a chance to play an active part in your own healthcare and help others, too. It might help you directly by giving you access to an investigational drug or procedure you would not otherwise be able to receive at that time. Or, you may agree to participate just so you can contribute to medical research, even though you may not receive any direct benefit from the research.

Who can participate?

Before you can take part in a clinical research study, you must first be “screened” to be sure you are right for the study and that the study is right for you. All studies will follow established guidelines describing who should be included in or excluded from the study. Sometimes a study will be looking for people with a particular medical condition, and sometimes a study will want healthy volunteers.

How will your safety be protected?

The same ethical and legal requirements that govern the practice of medicine apply to clinical studies. Clinical research studies are very closely controlled and have built-in safeguards. Investigators are required by law to follow very specific procedures. You will be monitored frequently to check your health and progress. All clinical studies have to be preapproved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) before participants can be enrolled. The IRB is an independent group made up of both medical experts and someone from the community. It is the IRB’s job to make sure the study is as safe as possible and worth the risks involved. In addition to reviewing and approving the study, the IRB will also periodically review its progress.

Questions you should consider before you participate in a clinical research study include:

  • What is the study’s purpose?
  • Who will be in it?
  • What tests and procedures are involved?
  • Why do the investigators think the drug or procedure being tested may be effective? Has it been tested before?
  • Am I willing to be assigned (randomized) to either study group? Will I be satisfied with this decision while I am participating in this study?
  • Do I have a strong preference to be assigned to one study group over another? If you do, a randomized study may not be right for you.
  • How do the possible risks and benefits compare with the treatment I am getting now?
  • How might this study affect my daily life?
  • How long will the study last?
  • Will hospitalization be required?
  • Who will pay for the study drug and procedures?
  • Will I or my insurance carrier be billed for medical expenses relating to, or arising from, this study?
  • Will I be reimbursed for any expenses?
  • What type of long-term care will I receive?
  • How will I know if the study drug or procedure is working? Will the results of the study be provided to me?
  • Who will be in charge of my care during the study?
  • Who should I contact if I have any questions?

For a complete list of clinical trials, click here.

To view our Cureus channel, click here.