Improving treatment for voice tremors in people with essential tremor
Official title: ADVANCING THALAMIC NEUROSTIMULATION FOR SUPPRESING ESSENTIAL VOICE TREMOR
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10999473 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how deep brain stimulation can help people with essential voice tremor feel better and communicate more easily by finding the best spot in the brain to target for treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | December 11, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $321,091 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS131342-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999473 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with essential tremor who experience significant voice tremors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with essential tremor who do not experience voice tremors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) to alleviate essential voice tremor (EVT), a condition affecting many individuals with essential tremor. The study aims to identify the optimal location in the thalamus for neurostimulation to effectively reduce both voice and upper limb tremors. By analyzing a large group of patients, the researchers will quantify changes in voice tremor and assess the effectiveness of DBS in improving communication and quality of life. This approach seeks to provide a more effective treatment option for those suffering from EVT.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients suffering from essential voice tremor, enhancing their ability to communicate.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with deep brain stimulation for upper limb tremors, but this specific application for voice tremor is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Christou, Evangelos a — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Christou, Evangelos a
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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.