Cerebellar deep brain stimulation to improve ataxia and walking
Official title: Cerebellar Deep Brain Stimulation for the Treatment of Refractory Ataxia and Gait Disorders: Pilot Trial
Run by University Health Network, Toronto · NCT07427563 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will try placing adjustable deep brain stimulation devices in the cerebellum to see if they improve walking and coordination in adults with primary ataxia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 12 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Health Network, Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 2, 2023 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2030 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2035 |
| Registry record updated | February 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07427563 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 20–70 with a diagnosis of primary (including hereditary or congenital) ataxia who can undergo MRI, give informed consent, and commit to follow-up appointments are eligible.
✕Probably not a fit
People with secondary causes of ataxia, active neurologic disease (for example epilepsy), major medical comorbidities that increase surgical risk, MRI contraindications, or who cannot remain in the area for the study duration are unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The study implants deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes in the cerebellar region and delivers titratable electrical stimulation, with treatments that can be adjusted or reversed. Participants go through pre-operative screening, the operative implantation, and post-operative programming and follow-up. Eligible adults with primary ataxia will be monitored over time for changes in gait, coordination, and safety outcomes. The protocol excludes people with secondary ataxia, active neurologic disease, MRI contraindications, or medical conditions that make surgery high-risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve gait, reduce falls, and increase daily independence for people with primary ataxia.
How similar studies have gone: DBS is well established for Parkinson's disease and tremor, but cerebellar DBS for ataxia is largely experimental with only limited case series and early reports suggesting possible benefit.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Female or Male patients between age 20-70 2. Diagnosis of primary ataxia (inclusive of congenital and hereditary subtypes without other neurological compromise) 3. Head CT scan and cerebral MRI without any structural contraindications for safe DBS 4. Patient able to give written consent 5. Able to comply with all testing, follow-ups and study appointments and protocols Exclusion Criteria: 1. Active neurologic disease including but not limited to epilepsy and certain brain tumors 2. Secondary ataxia (such as due to stroke, medication, autoimmune disease, ischemia, tumor, or other lesion) 3. Any contraindication to MRI scanning 4. Likely to relocate or move during the study's one-year duration 5. Presence of cardiac arrhythmias, or other cardiac, respiratory, renal or endocrine conditions that will result in significant risk from a surgical procedure.
Where it's running
-
Toronto Western Hospital
Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Suneil Kalia, MD PhD FAANS FRCSC — University Health Network, Toronto
- Study coordinator: Altagracia Cantos
- Email: Altagracia.Cantos@uhn.ca
- Phone: +1-416-603-5866
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.