Cerebellar Deep Brain Stimulation for Spinocerebellar Ataxias
Official title: Human Cerebellar Deep Brain Stimulation and Recordings in Spinocerebellar Ataxias
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11602642 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A preliminary clinical trial will test delivering electrical stimulation to the cerebellum in people with spinocerebellar ataxia to see if it improves balance and coordination.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 9, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,900,375 |
| NIH project number | 4UH3NS140720-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11602642 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with spinocerebellar ataxia eligible for neuromodulation and who meet trial-specific safety criteria.
✕Less likely to help
Some participants may not experience improvement or could have procedure-related risks.
What this research studies
This funded project aims to test whether deep brain stimulation of the deep cerebellar nuclei can reduce ataxia symptoms in people with SCA. Researchers will conduct a Phase 1 study in the United States to evaluate safety and potential signals of effectiveness, building on encouraging animal studies and a few early human cases. The team at Columbia University will use careful monitoring and standardized movement assessments to understand how cerebellar DBS affects the circuit that controls movement in different SCA types. If initial results are promising, they will inform the design of larger trials to determine broader benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new treatment option that improves balance and motor control for people with SCA.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary case series in Brazil suggested symptom improvements, supporting progression to a rigorous US Phase 1 trial.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kuo, Sheng-Han — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Kuo, Sheng-Han
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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.