Indiana Neurosciences Biorepository at Riley Hospital for Children

Investigation of Brain and Spinal Cord Conditions

Primary Investigator
J
Jignesh Tailor

Primary Investigator

Enrolling By Invitation
100 years or below
All
Phase N/A
1000 participants needed
1 Location

Brief description of study

The purpose of this study is to collect tissue, blood, and CSF in patients with all conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord, with the goal of developing a repository of biospecimen and clinical data for neurosurgical patients within IU Health. This may help us learn how certain conditions develop and find new ways to diagnose and treat them. 
 
THIS STUDY IS ENROLLING BY INVITATION ONLY - Patients receiving care by neurological staff within IU Health/IU Health Physicians will be identified via clinic schedule, surgery schedule, or inpatient status. Initial contact will be the approach for consent and will take place in the hospital setting (e.g. clinic, inpatient room, pre-operative area, surgery waiting area, etc.). When in-person consent is not possible, they will be contacted by phone to initiate phone or e-consent.

Detailed description of study

Data Collection
  • Participants provide access to their medical record when signing the consent and authorization document.
  • Research personnel may access the medical record at any time following consent, for information related to the condition requiring neurosurgical care. Information may include medical history, family history, test results, genetics, imaging, questionnaires completed as standard of care, etc.
Specimen Collection
  • Excess tissue and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may be collected during standard of care procedures. This could include surgeries in the operating room or bedside procedures in the clinic or inpatient rooms.
  • No additional tissue or fluid will be removed for study purposes; all tissue and fluid will be removed as standard of care and would otherwise be disposed of.
  • Blood may also be collected during standard of care blood collection or as a separate research collection, with participant approval.
  • Specimens previously collected and stored in the IU Health Pathology Lab may be requested.
  • Specimens will be de-identified by study personnel and stored in the Principal Investigator’s lab.

Eligibility of study

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

  • Conditions: Neurological conditions, neurological disease, brain disease, spinal cord disease
  • Age: 100 years or below
  • Gender: All

Inclusion Criteria

  • Receiving care by neurosurgical staff within IU Health/IU Health Physicians

Exclusion Criteria

  • Unable to understand and sign the consent and authorization document directly or through an authorized representative

The purpose of this study is to collect tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord. CSF is a clear fluid found in the brain and spine. This study aims to develop a repository of biospecimens and clinical data for patients who undergo neurosurgery at IU Health. Researchers hope to learn more about how certain conditions develop and explore new ways to diagnose them.

Participants will provide access to their medical records after signing a consent form. Research staff may review these records to gather information about the condition requiring neurosurgical care. During standard medical procedures, tissue and CSF that would normally be discarded may be collected. Blood samples may also be taken during regular medical care or as part of the research with the participant's consent. All specimens will be de-identified and stored securely.

  • Who can participate: Patients receiving care from neurosurgical staff within IU Health are eligible to participate. Participants must be able to understand and sign the consent form, either directly or through an authorized representative.
  • Study details: Participants will allow access to their medical records and may provide tissue, CSF, and blood samples during standard care procedures. No extra procedures will be done for the study. Specimens will be de-identified and stored for research.
Updated on 18 Aug 2026. Study ID: 23645
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Interested in the study?

This study is accepting only persons who receive care at a certain clinic or doctor or who are part of an invited group. Questions about this study can be directed to the study team listed in the description or contact your doctor to see if you are eligible.

Accepting Referrals by Invitation Only