Using brain stimulation to improve movement in children with cerebral palsy
Official title: Cerebellar deep brain stimulation for severe combined movement disorders and spasticity in children and young adults with cerebral palsy
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11055281 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special treatment called deep brain stimulation can help kids and young adults with cerebral palsy by improving their movement and reducing stiffness, and we're inviting ten participants to see if this approach makes a difference for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $946,835 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3NS128297-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055281 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and young adults aged 0-11 years with severe movement disorders and spasticity due to cerebral palsy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild movement disorders or those whose cerebral palsy is not accompanied by significant spasticity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the cerebellum to alleviate severe movement disorders and spasticity in children and young adults with cerebral palsy (CP). The study aims to enroll ten participants who will receive bilateral DBS in the dorsal dentate nucleus of the cerebellum, which is believed to be less affected by brain damage compared to other areas. By leveraging advancements in neurophysiology and brain stimulation technology, the research seeks to improve motor function and reduce disability associated with CP. Participants will be monitored for changes in their movement and spasticity symptoms throughout the study period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the quality of life for children and young adults with cerebral palsy by improving their movement abilities and reducing spasticity.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies have shown promise in using cerebellar stimulation for improving symptoms in similar patient populations, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
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University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: San Luciano, Marta — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: San Luciano, Marta
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Cerebellum-targeted deep brain stimulation for severe movement problems and spasticity in cerebral palsy
This project tests whether implanted electrodes that stimulate a cerebellar motor area can reduce severe involuntary movements and muscle tightness in children and young adults with cerebral palsy.
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Non-invasive spinal stimulation to help kids with cerebral palsy move and reduce stiffness
This study tests a non-invasive spinal stimulation plus treadmill training to reduce spasticity and improve walking in children with cerebral palsy.
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Measuring how kids with cerebral palsy adapt their walking
A study to understand how children with cerebral palsy learn and adjust walking, and how personalized feedback during walking might improve their mobility.
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Cerebellar Deep Brain Stimulation for Spinocerebellar Ataxias
A preliminary clinical trial will test delivering electrical stimulation to the cerebellum in people with spinocerebellar ataxia to see if it improves balance and coordination.
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Improving deep brain stimulation with MRI and AI
We use brain scans and artificial intelligence to speed up and personalize deep brain stimulation settings for people getting DBS.
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Adaptive deep brain stimulation to help Parkinson's patients respond to daily changes
A new, smarter brain stimulation approach for Parkinson’s disease aims to automatically adjust therapy throughout the day to better control symptoms.
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.