Sound waves may replace spinal taps for brain pressure checks

NCT ID NCT06571786

Completed Diagnosis Sponsor: Thomas Jefferson University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tested a noninvasive ultrasound technique called SHAPE to measure pressure inside the skull. Nineteen adults scheduled for a lumbar puncture received an ultrasound contrast agent (Definity) while researchers compared the ultrasound readings to the standard needle-based pressure measurement. The goal was to see if the ultrasound method could accurately estimate intracranial pressure without a spinal tap.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Perflutren lipid microsphere (Definity)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could provide a needle-free way to measure pressure inside the skull, reducing the need for lumbar punctures.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study with only 19 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The technique is still experimental and not ready for routine use.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for IDIOPATHIC INTRACRANIAL HYPERTENSION are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

pseudotumor cerebri

As listed by the trial registrant

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

LUMBAR PUNCTURE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Mayo Clinic

Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States
Thomas Jefferson University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.