Using brain responses to guide directional deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's
Stimulus-evoked directional field potentials to guide subthalamic and pallidal DBS for PD
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · NIH-11263723
This project uses a new 16-contact DBS lead to record how the brain responds to stimulation during surgery so clinicians can pick better stimulation settings for people with Parkinson's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11263723 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We will work with Boston Scientific to use their 16-contact Argyle lead to send small stimulation pulses and record the brain's electrical responses in two common DBS targets, the subthalamic nucleus and the globus pallidus interna. We'll collect recordings both while you are awake and while you are under general anesthesia to capture how signals change across states. Advanced analytics will be used to create detailed maps and predictive models that point to which directional contacts and settings are most likely to help symptoms. The aim is to develop biomarkers that can guide DBS programming and ultimately be integrated into implanted devices to simplify clinical decision-making.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with Parkinson's disease who are scheduled to receive subthalamic nucleus or globus pallidus interna directional DBS at the enrolling center.
Not a fit: People who do not have Parkinson's, are not undergoing DBS surgery, or are not eligible for directional DBS would not be expected to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors choose DBS contacts and settings that improve symptom control and reduce side effects for people with Parkinson's.
How similar studies have performed: Previous DBS research has identified brain signals related to symptoms and programming but no established biomarkers exist yet, and combining a 16-contact directional lead with predictive models is a novel and promising approach.
Where this research is happening
BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM — BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WALKER, HARRISON CARROLL — UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- Study coordinator: WALKER, HARRISON CARROLL
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.