Deep cerebellar (dentate nucleus) stimulation for post-stroke spasticity and movement problems

Deep Anterior Cerebellar Stimulation in Treatment of Poststroke Spasticity and Motor Function Impairment.

NA · Jan Biziel University Hospital No 2 in Bydgoszcz · NCT07190092

This trial will try deep brain stimulation near the dentate nucleus to reduce limb spasticity and improve movement in people 9–36 months after a single stroke.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment12 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorJan Biziel University Hospital No 2 in Bydgoszcz (other)
Locations1 site (Bydgoszcz)
Trial IDNCT07190092 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The study implants a deep brain stimulation electrode targeting the dentate-rubro-thalamic tract (DRTt) near the dentate nucleus on the side of the body affected by spasticity. Each participant receives initial stimulation at 130 Hz combined with a 4–6 week rehabilitation program, followed by a switch to 70 Hz with repeat clinical evaluations to compare effects. Eligible adults have a single ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke 9–36 months earlier with persistent spastic paresis and prior rehabilitation but no recent improvement. Primary outcomes focus on changes in spasticity and motor function, and common exclusions include post-stroke seizures, major cognitive or sensory deficits, and contraindications to DBS or MRI.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults 9–36 months after a single ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke with persistent spastic paresis of at least one limb who completed prior rehabilitation, had no recent improvement, and have no contraindications to DBS or MRI.

Not a fit: Patients with post-stroke seizures, severe sensory deficits, anosognosia, moderate to severe hemispatial neglect, active depression, or other contraindications to surgery or MRI are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce limb spasticity and improve functional movement, allowing patients to gain more from rehabilitation.

How similar studies have performed: Stimulation of the dentate nucleus/DRTt for post-stroke spasticity is relatively novel with only small case series and pilot reports suggesting benefit, while deep brain stimulation is an established treatment for other movement disorders.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* One time stroke that occurred 9-36 months ago
* Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke
* Spastic paresis of at least one limb
* At least 3 months of poststroke rehabilitation in the past
* No improvement of spasticity/motor function for at least 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* Seizures after the stroke
* Depression
* Severe sensory deficits
* Anosognosia
* Moderate to severe hemispatial neglect
* Others contraindications for the DBS procedure, e.g. coagulopathy, decompensated chronic disease, etc.
* Contraindication for MRI
* No poststroke rehabilitation

Where this trial is running

Bydgoszcz

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Post Stroke Spasticity, Dystonia, dentate nucleus, DRTt, dentate-rubro-thalamic tract, deep brain stimulation, post-stroke spasticity, rehabilitation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.