Thalamic Coordinated Reset Deep Brain Stimulation for Essential Tremor
Official title: Thalamic Coordinated Reset Deep Brain Stimulation for Upper Extremity Essential Tremor: Proof of Principle Study
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11263676 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new brain stimulation approach is being tested to help people with essential tremor by using coordinated, lower-intensity stimulation to the thalamus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $850,911 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3NS125162-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11263676 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with essential tremor who are candidates for thalamic DBS or who have side effects/habituation with standard DBS.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without essential tremor or those unsuitable for deep brain stimulation may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a novel deep brain stimulation pattern called coordinated reset (CR) in the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) of the thalamus to reduce tremor in people with essential tremor. By delivering stimulation across multiple contacts with lower current, CR aims to lessen side effects and create lasting benefit after stopping stimulation. The study builds on evidence from Parkinson’s disease suggesting CR can counteract abnormal brain synchronization with fewer adverse effects. Participants would undergo implantation and follow-up to assess tremor changes, safety, and device performance. Results could lead to a less burdensome DBS option for ET patients who experience side effects or habituation with traditional stimulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience tremor control with fewer side effects and longer-lasting benefits after stimulation.
How similar studies have gone: CR-DBS has shown promise in Parkinson’s disease and early ET research suggests potential benefits with reduced stimulation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Jing — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Wang, Jing
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.