NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project startJuly 15, 2023
Project endJune 30, 2029
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$850,911
NIH project number5UH3NS125162-03
Project IDNIH-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

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.