Targeted thalamus stimulation to reduce voice tremor
ADVANCING THALAMIC NEUROSTIMULATION FOR SUPPRESING ESSENTIAL VOICE TREMOR
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · NIH-11237070
Seeing if targeted deep brain stimulation of a thalamus region can reduce voice tremor in people with essential tremor.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11237070 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you join, you will have detailed voice recordings and clinical ratings before and after thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS), and researchers will precisely map where the DBS leads sit in the thalamus. The team will use acoustic analysis and expert listening ratings to measure changes in voice tremor across a larger group than prior case reports. They will combine speech measures with brain imaging and stimulation mapping to find the thalamic locations that best reduce voice and hand tremor. The goal is to determine specific stimulation targets that could guide treatment for people whose voice is affected by essential tremor.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with essential tremor who have troublesome voice tremor and are eligible for or already undergoing thalamic DBS treatment.
Not a fit: People without voice tremor, those with other causes of voice problems, or patients who are not DBS candidates are unlikely to benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify DBS targets that meaningfully reduce voice tremor and improve communication and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: A few small case reports suggest DBS can help voice tremor, but there are no large, systematic studies confirming the best thalamic targets.
Where this research is happening
GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA — GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHRISTOU, EVANGELOS A — UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- Study coordinator: CHRISTOU, EVANGELOS A
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 below.