Hyperpolarized Pyruvate is a special form of a naturally occurring substance in the body called pyruvate. In this clinical trial, it is used in a new type of MRI scan to help doctors see how the body’s metabolism is working in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). This technique allows doctors to get a clearer picture of how these diseases affect the body’s energy production and use, which can help in understanding the disease better and potentially lead to new treatments.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis – Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It leads to the gradual degeneration and death of motor neurons, which are responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. As the disease progresses, individuals experience muscle weakness and atrophy, affecting their ability to move, speak, swallow, and eventually breathe. The progression of muscle weakness is typically symmetrical and can start in any part of the body. Over time, the loss of motor neurons leads to increasing disability. The exact cause of the degeneration of motor neurons in ALS is not fully understood.

Transient Ischemic Attack – A Transient Ischemic Attack is a temporary period of symptoms similar to those of a stroke. It occurs when there is a brief reduction in blood supply to part of the brain, often due to a clot or blockage. The symptoms, which can include sudden numbness, weakness, confusion, or difficulty speaking, usually resolve within minutes to hours. Unlike a stroke, a TIA does not cause permanent damage to the brain. However, it serves as a warning sign that a person is at increased risk of having a stroke in the future. The underlying causes of a TIA are similar to those of a stroke, including atherosclerosis and heart disease.