Improving tremor control for patients with severe essential tremor using advanced brain stimulation techniques
Official title: Dual Lead Thalamic DBR-DBS Interface for Closed Loop Control of Severe Essential Tremor
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11061909 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help people with severe essential tremor by using a special device that stimulates two areas of the brain at once, aiming to better control tremors and reduce side effects, especially for those who haven't found relief with regular treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2019 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $611,194 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3NS109845-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061909 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with severe essential tremor who have not achieved satisfactory control with standard deep brain stimulation therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild essential tremor or those who have not yet undergone DBS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to treating severe essential tremor (ET) by using a dual lead deep brain stimulation (DBS) system. The study aims to replace existing single lead systems with a dual lead system that targets specific areas of the brain to enhance tremor control while minimizing side effects. Additionally, the research will explore the use of deep brain recording (DBR) to monitor brain activity and adjust stimulation in real-time, providing personalized treatment for patients. By focusing on patients who have not responded well to standard treatments, this study seeks to improve their quality of life significantly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatment options for patients suffering from severe essential tremor.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced DBS techniques for tremor control, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oweiss, Karim G — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Oweiss, Karim G
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Vocal Tremor in Essential Tremor: Understanding Physiologic Cues in Older Adults
This grant studies why and how vocal tremor happens in people with essential tremor, aiming to better understand and describe voice changes in older adults.
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New therapies for essential tremor from cannabidiol mechanisms
A patient-facing overview of how cannabis-based medicines might help tremor by targeting specific brain receptors, aiming to find better and better tolerated treatments for essential tremor.
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A new test being developed for people with essential tremor to see who might later develop Parkinson’s disease.
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Clinical Pathology of Essential Tremor-Related Dementia
A patients-facing study asks how essential tremor may be linked to dementia, with the goal of better understanding risks and potential biomarkers for people living with ET.
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Personalized tremor relief for older adults using a new tremor-decomposition tool
A study aims to tailor tremor treatment for people 65 and older by refining a method that identifies which muscles cause tremor, with the goal of guiding practical, wearable relief options.
-
PET scans to measure a brain protein (SV2A) in essential tremor
This project uses PET brain scans to look for changes in the SV2A protein in people with essential tremor to help diagnose and follow the condition over time.
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.