Using brain signals to improve deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease
Official title: Stimulus-evoked directional field potentials to guide subthalamic and pallidal DBS for PD
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11036856 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to make deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease even better by finding the best spots and settings for the treatment, using new technology to map brain activity in patients, so they can receive more personalized care that helps them feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | December 18, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,382,351 |
| NIH project number | 4UH3NS130202-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036856 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who are considering or currently undergoing deep brain stimulation therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Parkinson's disease who are not candidates for deep brain stimulation or those with other unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease by developing new methods to identify the best stimulation locations and settings. By collaborating with Boston Scientific, the team will utilize a novel 16-contact directional lead to create detailed maps of brain activity in patients both awake and under anesthesia. Advanced analytical techniques will be employed to generate predictive models that guide the programming of DBS devices, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes through more personalized treatment approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and tailored DBS therapies for patients with Parkinson's disease, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced mapping techniques for DBS, but this specific approach with the novel device is relatively new and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
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
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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.