RECRUITING

Deciphering Preserved Autonomic Function After Multiple Sclerosis

Description

This study looks to characterize gradients of dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system in patients with clinically diagnosed multiple sclerosis. The autonomic nervous system plays key roles in regulation of blood pressure, skin blood flow, and bladder health- all issues that individuals with multiple sclerosis typically suffer. Focusing on blood pressure regulation, the most precise metric with broad clinical applicability, the investigators will perform laboratory-based tests to probe the body's ability to generate autonomic responses. For both individuals with multiple sclerosis and uninjured controls, laboratory-based experiments will utilize multiple parallel recordings to identify how the autonomic nervous system is able to inhibit and activate signals. The investigators anticipate that those with autonomic dysfunction with multiple sclerosis will exhibit abnormalities in these precise metrics. The investigators will look to see if any substantial connections exist between different degrees of preserved autonomic function and secondary autonomic complications from multiple sclerosis. In accomplishing this, the investigators hope to give scientists important insights to how the autonomic nervous system works after multiple sclerosis and give physicians better tools to manage these secondary autonomic complications.

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

This study looks to characterize gradients of dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system in patients with clinically diagnosed multiple sclerosis. The autonomic nervous system plays key roles in regulation of blood pressure, skin blood flow, and bladder health- all issues that individuals with multiple sclerosis typically suffer. Focusing on blood pressure regulation, the most precise metric with broad clinical applicability, the investigators will perform laboratory-based tests to probe the body's ability to generate autonomic responses. For both individuals with multiple sclerosis and uninjured controls, laboratory-based experiments will utilize multiple parallel recordings to identify how the autonomic nervous system is able to inhibit and activate signals. The investigators anticipate that those with autonomic dysfunction with multiple sclerosis will exhibit abnormalities in these precise metrics. The investigators will look to see if any substantial connections exist between different degrees of preserved autonomic function and secondary autonomic complications from multiple sclerosis. In accomplishing this, the investigators hope to give scientists important insights to how the autonomic nervous system works after multiple sclerosis and give physicians better tools to manage these secondary autonomic complications.

Deciphering Preserved Autonomic Function After Multiple Sclerosis

Deciphering Preserved Autonomic Function After Multiple Sclerosis

Condition
Multiple Sclerosis
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Rochester

Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States, 55902

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * 18-50 years old
  • * clinically confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis -OR- uninjured control
  • * symptoms of cardiovascular (including, but not limited to: hypertension, stroke, chest pain, etc.), respiratory, peripheral neurological or autonomic disease (particularly diabetes mellitus requiring treatment)
  • * women who are pregnant or lactating
  • * having a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2
  • * taking or being administered a medication known to potentially have adverse interactions with phenylephrine
  • * in the judgement of the principal investigator or clinical collaborator, any illness or condition that will interfere with the patient's ability to comply with the protocol, compromise patient safety, or interfere with the interpretation of the study results

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 50 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

Mayo Clinic,

Study Record Dates

2026-01-31