See if repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation helps with dystonia symptoms

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 pilot study uses resting-state fMRI to identify brain network targets and then applies repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to see if targeted stimulation can modulate abnormal brain connectivity in dystonia. The approach combines imaging analysis with non-invasive brain stimulation to explore potential symptom improvement. Eligibility includes adults with dystonia that is focal, segmental, or generalized and related to DYT1 or DYT6 dystonia, while excluding other neurodegenerative or systemic conditions. The study is conducted at Northwell Health's Feinstein Institutes, with a single intervention modality using rTMS.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Male or female
* 18 and 80 years of age.
* Patients who manifest dystonia - sustained involuntary movement of the head, neck, trunk or limbs.
* The dystonia may be spontaneous or genetic, specifically DYT1 or DYT6 and then only those patients who are demonstrating dystonia. The patient/subject will have a normal neurological exam except for dystonia.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Heredodegenerative dystonia of the type DYT8,9 or 10.
* Past history of head trauma, stroke, epilepsy, demyelinating disease
* Hypertension in excess of 160mmHg systolic and 90mmHg diastolic
* Congestive heart failure
* Diabetes
* Past psychiatric conditions: e.g., depression
* Systemic metabolic disease: e.g., Wilson's disease, progressive neurodegenerative disease (like supranuclear palsy or corticobasal ganglionic degeneration)
* Magnetizable incorporated metal parts - like pacemakers
* History or diagnosis of Parkinson's disease
* Presence of myoclonus
* No previous surgery for dystonia
* Long term exposure to benzodiazepines, neuroleptics or anticonvulsants
* No botulinum toxin within 12 weeks of baseline assessment and fMRI.
* Moderate to severe cognitive impairment (judged by a minimental status of \<24.)

Where it's running

• Northwell Health/Feinstein Institutes
  Manhasset, New York, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Celina B Fernandez, MS
• Email: cfernandez14@northwell.edu
• Phone: 516-562-3646

Similar studies

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

• Registry and natural history of epilepsy-dyskinesia syndromes

  This registry will collect health data and biological samples from people of all ages who have a genetic diagnosis of epilepsy-dyskinesia syndromes to see how their genes relate to their movement and seizure symptoms over time.

  Recruiting Boston Children's Hospital · Boston, Massachusetts · NCT06967727

• Understanding epilepsy-dyskinesia syndromes in children

  This study is trying to learn more about epilepsy-dyskinesia syndromes in children by gathering information from different countries to see how these movement and seizure disorders are related.

  Recruiting Boston Children's Hospital · Boston, Massachusetts · NCT06585605

• Investigating the relationship between genetic mutations and brain changes in dystonia

  This study is trying to see how genetic changes linked to dystonia affect the brain in people with the condition compared to healthy individuals.

  Recruiting University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · Dallas, Texas · NCT03428009

• 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

• Low-intensity focused ultrasound for movement and seizure disorders

  This trial will try low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFUS) to see if it can safely change brain activity in people with movement disorders or epilepsy.

  Recruiting University Health Network, Toronto · Toronto, Ontario · NCT07417280

• Measuring brain network activity to predict and improve outcomes in children with 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.

  Recruiting Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati · Cincinnati, Ohio · NCT07325175

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.