Improving personalized deep brain stimulation models using brain recordings

Optimizing Patient-Specific Deep Brain Stimulation Models Using Electrophysiology

['FUNDING_R01'] · EMORY UNIVERSITY · NIH-11249623

This work uses each person's brain images and electrical recordings to build better computer models that predict how deep brain stimulation affects brain circuits in Parkinson's disease and related conditions.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorEMORY UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11249623 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

You would be helping researchers combine your MRI and electrode data to make a 3-D, patient-specific computer model of how DBS spreads electrical signals in the brain. The team will add realistic nerve pathway maps to those models and record electrical activity near the electrode to see where neurons are actually activated. They will compare simpler volume-based models with more detailed axon-based models to find which one matches real recordings. The goal is to improve targeting and programming of DBS so stimulation helps intended brain areas and reduces side effects.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal participants are people receiving or being evaluated for deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease or related movement or neuropsychiatric conditions who can undergo imaging and electrophysiologic recordings.

Not a fit: People who are not candidates for DBS, cannot have MRI or invasive recordings, or who have unrelated medical issues are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors choose electrode targets and stimulation settings that give better symptom relief with fewer side effects.

How similar studies have performed: Previous DBS modeling work exists but has had mixed links to real clinical outcomes, so directly matching model predictions to human electrophysiology is a newer and still-developing approach.

Where this research is happening

ATLANTA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.