Genes and Environment in MS (GEMS) is a longitudinal cohort study investigating how genetics and environment can lead to the onset of Multiple Sclerosis. We are recruiting first-degree relatives (siblings, parents, and children) of people who have been diagnosed with MS. This study involves the collection of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain,…
MS Genetics aims to better understand the genetic component of demyelinating diseases by doing genetic testing on blood samples of participants. This study involves a one-time blood draw and completion of questionnaires spread out over a couple of years in hopes to better understand the genes that makes one predisposed to Multiple Sclerosis and various…
The Columbia Otolaryngology Department is interested in understanding the intersection of vaping, smell, and taste and their impact on individuals' preferences for certain flavors. Participation will involve answering a series of questionnaires in addition to completing a formal evaluation of your smell and taste with standardized measurements. You can…
The Snapshot study aims to understand brain and spinal cord aging in healthy individuals and individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). We aim to identify new tools that will help us to achieve successful brain aging in the general population and in people with an underlying autoimmune disease. A critical aspect of this study is that we are looking for…
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the differences between immune profiles of individuals remaining on Ocrelizumab/Rituximab versus those transitioning to diroximel fumarate at two years. Baseline visits for subjects transitioning to diroximel fumarate (DRF) will take place 6 months after last Ocrelizumab (OCR) or Rituximab (RTX) dose, prior to…
We are currently recruiting individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), first-degree family members of persons with MS, and healthy individuals to take part in our research on the effects of probiotics. Our goal is to better understand how the health of the gut microbiome influences the immune system.
The use of electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigs or vaping, has increased among former smokers and young adults who have never smoked. Relatively little is known, however, about their health effects (whether they are adverse, have no effect, or are beneficial). The purpose of this research study is to evaluate (1) the association of e-cig use with…
This study will be used to evaluate the immunologic effects of Prebiotics (soluble fiber required by beneficial bacteria), in comparison to Probiotics (beneficial bacteria), in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS).
This is a four-session study in which we will be recruiting existing cigarette smokers to explore the competitive dynamics between memory encoding and memory retrieval. To participate, you will first go through a phone screening to determine eligibility and learn about the study. Then you will be asked to visit our facility at the Morningside Campus of…
ASPIRE is a clinical trial to investigate aspirin as a treatment to improve exercise performance in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who experience overheating during exercise. Persons with multiple sclerosis benefit from exercise, but many avoid it because of exhaustion and overheating. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) tests aspirin as a method to…
Meniere's Disease is an inner ear disorder that causes episodes of vertigo. The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness and safety of OTO-104 compared to placebo in subjects with Menieres disease. OTO-104 contains an active ingredient, called dexamethasone, which is a commonly used corticosteroid that has been prescribed by doctors for…
The purpose of this study is to see if ocrelizumab (study drug) will stabilize, or potentiallyimprove the signs and symptoms of your MS. Ocrelizumab is a type of drug called amonoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibodies act like your bodys immune system andattach to certain cells in order to attack germs and other illnesses in your body.Ocrelizumab attaches…