Examining brain changes in patients with essential tremor receiving deep brain stimulation

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to collect electrophysiological data to understand how deep brain stimulation (DBS) affects brain networks in patients with essential tremor. Participants will undergo either electroencephalography (EEG) or magnetoencephalography (MEG) to record brain activity during different states of DBS, including optimal and sub-optimal settings. The study will also explore the effects of non-DBS tremor mitigation techniques, such as medication and cooling therapies. By analyzing these data, researchers hope to identify new therapeutic targets to improve tremor control.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Between 30 and 80 years of age;
* Ability to provide informed consent;
* Clinical diagnosis of ET by a movement disorders neurologist with a disease duration of at least 3 years and being treated with a DBS; OR
* Clinical diagnosis of ET by a movement disorders neurologist with a disease duration of at least 3 years and not being treated with a DBS; OR
* No known neurological disease or disorder.

Exclusion Criteria:

* The individual has a condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would significantly increase the risk for interference with study compliance, safety, or outcome;
* Presence of active psychiatric symptoms meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-4th Edition (DSM-IV) criteria for Axis-I disorder on formal psychiatric evaluation other than depression or anxiety;
* History of cognitive impairment meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-4th Edition (DSM-IV) criteria for dementia on formal neuropsychological evaluation, as documented in chart;
* Lack of English-language fluency which would interfere with the ability to understand the study consenting process and potential study risks;
* Hearing or visual impairment precluding testing;
* Motor impairment impacting test responses (i.e., orthopedic injury or disease);
* Anyone currently taking medications with Antabuse-like effects (e.g. Flagyl, Bactrim, Tindamax) will be excluded from any alcohol administration.

Where it's running

• Cleveland Clinic
  Cleveland, Ohio, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: James Liao, MD — The Cleveland Clinic
• Study coordinator: Jeffrey Negrey, MA
• Email: negreyj2@ccf.org
• Phone: 2163166896

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Encora X1 in Daily Life for Essential Tremor

  This real-world study tests how the Encora X1 wrist device affects day-to-day activities for adults with essential tremor over three years.

  Recruiting Encora, Inc. · Boston, Massachusetts · NCT07911488

• Intraoperative Microelectrode Recordings with MAVEN vs Standard Equipment

  This study tests whether MAVEN can match the recording data collected during DBS surgery for movement disorders using standard equipment.

  Recruiting Mayo Clinic · Rochester, Minnesota · NCT07868614

• Microelectrode-based brain stimulation for Parkinson’s and essential tremor

  This early feasibility test checks a new microelectrode-based brain stimulation method in adults with Parkinson’s disease or essential tremor who are already getting deep brain stimulation implants.

  Recruiting Lund University · Lund, Skåne County · NCT07820189

• Non-Invasive Nerve Stimulation for Essential Tremor: Long-Term Safety and Effectiveness

  This study tests whether a non-invasive stimulation device called TAPS helps reduce tremor in adults with essential tremor over a long period.

  Recruiting Ruijin Hospital · Shanghai · NCT07774598

• Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Essential Tremor in Adults

  This early-stage, open-label study tests whether repeated low-intensity focused ultrasound can safely and briefly modulate tremor in people with essential tremor.

  Recruiting Early Phase 1 University of California, Los Angeles · Los Angeles, California · NCT07599592

• Closed-loop TMS to reduce tremor

  This trial tries phase-locked transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to reduce tremor in people with essential tremor or Parkinson's disease.

  Recruiting University of Oxford · Oxford, Oxfordshire · NCT07574164

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.