Cerebellar tDCS for isolated cervical dystonia
A Randomized, Sham-controlled Study of Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Its Effects on the Neurophysiological Properties of the Sensorimotor Network and Motor Symptom Severity in Patients With Isolated Cervical Dystonia (CD)
This trial tests whether cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (anodal or cathodal versus sham) can change sensorimotor brain excitability and improve neck posture, pain, and movement in adults with isolated cervical dystonia.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamburg) |
| Trial ID | NCT07014384 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized, sham-controlled interventional study applying anodal, cathodal, or sham cerebellar tDCS to patients with isolated cervical dystonia. Investigators will use transcranial magnetic stimulation measures to track changes in sensorimotor network excitability and will monitor motor symptom severity before and after stimulation. The protocol targets cerebellar modulation because growing evidence implicates the cerebellum in dystonia network dysfunction. Outcomes will compare physiological measures and clinical signs between stimulation polarities and sham.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with a clinical diagnosis of isolated cervical dystonia who can provide written informed consent and tolerate noninvasive brain stimulation and TMS procedures.
Not a fit: Patients with secondary dystonia, other neurological disorders, severe head tremor, pregnancy, metallic implants, a history of seizures, or those taking centrally acting medications are unlikely to qualify or benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, cerebellar tDCS could offer a noninvasive way to reduce neck muscle overactivity and improve posture, pain, and motor function in people with cervical dystonia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous neurophysiological studies and small clinical reports suggest cerebellar stimulation can modulate network excitability, but consistent, robust clinical benefit in cervical dystonia has not yet been established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical diagnosis of isolated cervical dystonia * Written informed consent by the patient Exclusion Criteria: * History of other neurological disorders other than CD * Secondary dystonia * Severe head tremor * Intake of centrally acting medication * Contraindications to TMS, such as metallic implants, pregnancy and history of seizures
Where this trial is running
Hamburg
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf — Hamburg, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Simone Zittel, Dr. med.
- Email: s.zittel-dirks@uke.de
- Phone: +49 40 7410 53770
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.