Recording brain activity in patients with essential tremor

Study of the Activity of the Ventral Intermediate Nucleus of the Thalamus Under Ecological Conditions in Essential Tremor.

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Bordeaux · NCT05671848

This study is testing a new device that records brain activity in people with essential tremor to see if it can help improve their treatment by only stimulating the brain when needed.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Bordeaux Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bordeaux)
Trial IDNCT05671848 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on patients with essential tremor (ET) who are receiving deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatment using the new PERCEPT™ device. The aim is to record thalamic Local Field Potentials (LFP) during rest and movement to understand the variations in brain activity associated with tremors. By monitoring these brain signals in a non-invasive manner at home, the study seeks to develop a closed-loop therapy that stimulates the thalamus only when necessary, potentially improving treatment outcomes. Participants will be monitored weekly for a period of three months post-surgery to gather data on their tremor activity.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 75 with advanced, drug-resistant essential tremor who are receiving DBS treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with major depressive syndrome, significant brain atrophy, or those unable to provide consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective and personalized treatment for patients with essential tremor.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using closed-loop systems for DBS, but this specific approach with the PERCEPT™ device is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Advanced disabling and drug-resistant tremor
* Receiving deep brain stimulation treatment with implantation of the PERCEPT™ device according to standard care
* Chronic progressive cardiac, renal, hematological or pulmonary diseases under treatment.
* Patient aged between 18 to 75 years
* Normal brain MRI
* MATTIS score ≥ 130/144 or MOCA ≥ 24/30
* Subject affiliated with or benefiting from a social security plan
* Free, informed and written consent signed by the participant and the investigator (at the latest on the day of inclusion and before any examination required by the research)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Major depressive syndrome (Beck scale \> 20)
* MRI showing significant brain atrophy or significant hypersignals
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women
* Being unable to give personal consent
* Be subject to a measure of legal protection (curatorship, guardianship) or placed under judicial protection.

Where this trial is running

Bordeaux

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.
Conditions Essential TremorLocal field potentialsDeep Brain Stimulation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.