Investigating brain activity in movement disorders like Parkinson's disease
Official title: Neurophysiological, Behavioral, and Cognitive Networks in Movement Disorders
Run by University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT04061135 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to see how brain activity changes during surgery for people with Parkinson's disease and essential tremor to find better ways to treat both movement and non-movement symptoms.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2019 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | March 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04061135 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or essential tremor who are eligible for deep brain stimulation surgery.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are not surgical candidates due to co-morbid conditions or those unable to provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.
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 explore the brain activity linked to both motor and non-motor symptoms in individuals with movement disorders, particularly focusing on Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. Researchers will analyze changes in brain activity during deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, utilizing recordings from both surface and deep brain structures. The study seeks to understand how DBS may affect cognitive functions and non-motor symptoms, which are often overlooked in current treatment approaches. By examining these aspects, the study hopes to identify potential improvements in treatment strategies for patients suffering from these debilitating conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment options for cognitive and non-motor symptoms in patients with movement disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While deep brain stimulation has been effective for motor symptoms, few studies have specifically investigated its impact on cognitive and non-motor symptoms, making this approach relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Eligible for DBS surgery based on multi-disciplinary consensus review * Have a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease or Essential Tremor * A minimum of 18 years of age * Willingness to participate in the paradigms described in the protocol Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to provide full and informed consent * Are not surgical candidates due to co-morbid conditions or pregnancy * Have not undergone an adequate trial of conservative medical management * Have a clinical presentation for which DBS surgery is not indicated * Are not able to participate in study-related activities
Where it's running
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University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nicole Bentley, MD — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Nicole Bentley, MD
- Email: jbentley@uabmc.edu
- Phone: 205-975-0011
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.