Closed-loop TMS to reduce tremor
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Tremo
This trial tries phase-locked transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to reduce tremor in people with essential tremor or Parkinson's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Oxford Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Oxford, Oxfordshire) |
| Trial ID | NCT07574164 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional study applies closed-loop, phase-locked transcranial magnetic stimulation that times magnetic pulses to the phase of tremor-related brain activity in order to suppress pathological oscillations. Participants with essential tremor or Parkinson's disease will attend non-invasive TMS sessions at the Oxford Center for Integrative Neuroimaging, where tremor is monitored in real time to guide stimulation timing. The protocol excludes individuals with contraindications to brain stimulation and focuses on tremor that impacts upper-limb function. Effectiveness will be measured by changes in tremor amplitude and functional measures before and after stimulation sessions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with essential tremor or Parkinson's disease who have functionally significant tremor, can travel to Oxford for study visits, and have no contraindications to brain stimulation are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with implanted electronic devices, other contraindications to TMS, tremor primarily from non-oscillatory causes, or tremor unlikely driven by cortical rhythms may not receive benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce tremor severity and improve hand function without the risks of surgery or systemic medication side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Early-phase pilot studies of phase-locked or closed-loop TMS have shown transient tremor reductions in small groups, but larger trials demonstrating durable clinical benefit are still lacking.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * having either essential tremor or Parkinson's disease Exclusion Criteria: * contraindications to brain stimulation
Where this trial is running
Oxford, Oxfordshire
- Oxford Center for Integrative Neuroimaging — Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Charlotte Stagg J Professor of Human Neurophysiology, MBBS
- Email: charlotte.stagg@ndcn.ox.ac.uk
- Phone: 01865 222734
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.