NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

New deep brain stimulation technique for treating essential tremor

Official title: Thalamic Coordinated Reset Deep Brain Stimulation for Upper Extremity Essential Tremor: Proof of Principle Study

Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10886836 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new way to help people with essential tremor by using a special brain stimulation technique that aims to reduce shaking while causing fewer side effects, making it a friendlier option for managing their condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project startJuly 15, 2023
Project endDecember 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$815,888
NIH project number5UH3NS125162-02
Project IDNIH-10886836 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with essential tremor who have not responded adequately to conventional treatments.

Less likely to help

Patients with other neurological disorders or those who do not have essential tremor may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel deep brain stimulation technique called Coordinated Reset (CR) stimulation for patients with essential tremor, a condition that causes involuntary shaking. The study aims to reduce side effects associated with traditional stimulation methods by using lower current amplitudes and alternating stimulation across multiple contacts in the brain. By targeting the cerebello-thalamo-cortical network, this approach seeks to minimize unwanted effects like dysarthria and ataxia while providing effective tremor relief. Patients will be monitored for both immediate and long-term benefits from this innovative treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective treatment option for patients suffering from essential tremor.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar deep brain stimulation techniques in other movement disorders, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Minnesota
    Minneapolis, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Wang, Jing — University of Minnesota
  • Study coordinator: Wang, Jing

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.