Measuring brain network activity to predict and improve outcomes in children with dystonia
Quantifying Motor Network Dynamics to Predict and Enhance Outcomes in Pediatric Dystonia
This project will test whether noninvasive brain and muscle recordings, and comparing DBS on versus off, can predict and help improve motor outcomes for children with dystonia.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 21 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cincinnati, Ohio) |
| Trial ID | NCT07325175 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The study uses EEG and EMG recordings at rest and during a simple motor reaction task to map cortical and subcortical motor network activity in children with dystonia. Children who have deep brain stimulation will be tested with the device both on and off to measure effects of chronic and active stimulation on network function. Data from dystonia participants will be compared to typically developing controls to track how motor networks evolve with development. Researchers aim to identify neural patterns that predict response to DBS and could guide individualized stimulation settings.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are children diagnosed with dystonia (with or without an implanted DBS system) who can follow simple instructions and tolerate EEG/EMG testing, while typically developing children without neuropsychiatric conditions may join as controls.
Not a fit: Children with a history of epilepsy, other implanted medical devices (except DBS in dystonia subjects), or those unable to complete the testing due to severe cognitive or physical limitations are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help doctors personalize DBS settings and predict which children are most likely to benefit, improving motor function and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Prior adult studies have shown that DBS changes motor network activity measurable with EEG/EMG, but applying these quantitative network measures in pediatric dystonia is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * For dystonia subjects: * Dx of dystonia (with and without DBS) * willingness and ability to complete study protocols. * For Typically Developing Controls: * normal developmental milestones * absence of any neuropsychiatric disorder * no significant medical condition. Exclusion Criteria: * history of epilepsy * presence of implanted medical devices (except DBS in dystonia subjects) * lack of cognitive or physical ability to complete study protocol.
Where this trial is running
Cincinnati, Ohio
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center — Cincinnati, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
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.