Using deep brain stimulation to improve voice control in patients with movement disorders
Deep Brain Stimulation in Laryngeal Dystonia and Voice Tremor
This study is looking at how a treatment called deep brain stimulation can help people with movement disorders, like laryngeal dystonia and essential tremor, improve their voice control while they talk, so they can better understand how the brain affects voice production and find new ways to help those struggling with voice issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10915599 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how deep brain stimulation (DBS) can help improve voice control in patients suffering from movement disorders like laryngeal dystonia and essential tremor. The study aims to understand the neural mechanisms behind voice dysfunction by recording brain activity during DBS surgery when patients are awake and speaking. By combining invasive techniques like electrocorticography with non-invasive methods such as functional MRI, the research seeks to uncover how voice production is affected by brain networks involved in motor control. This could lead to better treatment options for those with voice-related symptoms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with laryngeal dystonia or essential tremor who are undergoing deep brain stimulation surgery.
Not a fit: Patients with voice disorders not related to movement disorders or those who are not candidates for DBS may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the quality of life for patients by improving their ability to communicate effectively.
How similar studies have performed: While deep brain stimulation has been successful for limb symptoms in movement disorders, the specific application to voice dysfunction is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simonyan, Kristina — Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
- Study coordinator: Simonyan, Kristina
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.