Light-Based brain cap could replace radiation scans for kids

NCT ID NCT05642221

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether two light-based technologies, fNIRS and DCS, can safely measure brain activity in children with rare neurocognitive disorders like Niemann-Pick disease and Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. 73 participants, including healthy volunteers, wore a cap with lights and sensors while doing computer tasks. The goal was to see if these scans are practical and safe, not to treat any condition.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to

If successful, this could provide a safer, radiation-free way to study brain activity in children with neurocognitive disorders.

What could go wrong

This is a small pilot study (73 participants) focused on feasibility, not treatment. It may not show clear differences between groups or lead to clinical use.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for SMITH-LEMLI-OPITZ SYNDROME are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cognitive disorder creatine transporter deficiency juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis Neuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinoses Niemann-Pick disease type A Niemann-Pick disease, type C1 Phelan-McDermid syndrome Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

    Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States