Exploring how deep brain stimulation affects attention and freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease
Characterization of Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation Laterality on Visuospatial Attention and Correlation to Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease
This study tests how deep brain stimulation affects attention and helps reduce freezing of gait in people with Parkinson's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 12 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medical University of South Carolina Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Charleston, South Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT06994728 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research investigates the effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) on visuospatial attention and its correlation with freezing of gait (FOG) in individuals with Parkinson's disease. The study will evaluate how stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) influences visual attention and whether these changes are linked to improvements in FOG. Participants will undergo DBS with alternating stimulation of the left and right STN to assess the impact on their gait and attention. The findings aim to enhance understanding of FOG and potentially lead to new treatment strategies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 with Parkinson's disease who experience freezing of gait and have undergone bilateral STN-DBS surgery.
Not a fit: Patients with uncorrected visual or hearing impairments, dementia, or significant brain lesions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into effective treatments for freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease, improving patients' mobility and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While some studies have explored the effects of STN-DBS on gait and attention, this specific approach focusing on the correlation with freezing of gait is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Subjects above 18 years of age * Subjects with freezing of gait * Subjects with bilateral STN-DBS surgery as part of their clinical care for Parkinson's disease Exclusion Criteria: * Uncorrected visual or hearing impairments, as indicated by self-report * Individuals who are pregnant or expect to become pregnant during the course of the study * Individuals with dementia or relevant brain lesions impacting cognition or gait
Where this trial is running
Charleston, South Carolina
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, South Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nathan DeTurk, MD — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Nathan DeTurk, MD
- Email: deturk@musc.edu
- Phone: 843-792-3221
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.