Cerebellum-targeted deep brain stimulation for severe movement problems and spasticity in cerebral palsy
Official title: Cerebellar deep brain stimulation for severe combined movement disorders and spasticity in children and young adults with cerebral palsy
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11322723 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests whether implanted electrodes that stimulate a cerebellar motor area can reduce severe involuntary movements and muscle tightness in children and young adults with cerebral palsy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $959,582 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3NS128297-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11322723 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children and young adults with cerebral palsy who have severe, disabling dystonia and/or spasticity that has not responded to medications or neurotoxin injections would be the ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People with mild symptoms, progressive neurodegenerative disorders, or who are not candidates for brain surgery or implanted hardware may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
You would undergo surgery to place electrodes on both sides of a motor area in the cerebellum (dorsal dentate nucleus) with the deepest contact in the superior cerebellar peduncle. The team will use modern brain imaging and stimulation hardware to guide placement and program the device. Ten children and young adults with disabling dystonia and spasticity will be treated and followed for clinical changes and safety. The study focuses on people whose symptoms have not been adequately relieved by medications or standard injections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce dystonia and spasticity and improve daily function and comfort for people with severe cerebral palsy.
How similar studies have gone: Small prior reports of cerebellar stimulation for CP-related movement problems have shown promise but the approach remains experimental and not yet proven in larger trials.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: San Luciano, Marta — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: San Luciano, Marta
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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.