Targeted Focused Ultrasound for Cervical Dystonia

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 is a randomized, single-blind trial enrolling 48 adults with cervical dystonia to receive bilateral tbLIFUS to either GPi, DN, or a sham treatment over five consecutive days. Participants undergo MRI targeting, baseline assessments, and repeated clinical and imaging measures, including rsfMRI, TWSTRS, DNMSQuest, SARA, and neck movement metrics. The study evaluates changes in brain connectivity and dystonia-related symptoms to see if targeted ultrasound modulates neural circuits involved in dystonia. All participants and investigators are blinded to treatment assignment. The study is conducted at Toronto Western Hospital in Ontario, with assessments spanning screening, stimulation days, and a follow-up visit one week after treatment.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 - 90 years of age
* Confirmed diagnosis cervical dystonia
* 3 months since last botulinum toxin injection
* Stable medications in the past month

Exclusion Criteria:

* Has neurological disorder other than dystonia (such as compressive neuropathy, limb trauma, epilepsy)
* Cognitive deficits leading to inability to understand study purposes and risks as well as the consent information without legal trustee
* Presence of metal implanted in body that is contraindicated in MRI
* Pregnancy
* Has a previous surgical intervention to treat CD such as lesioning or a DBS system in place
* Major systemic illness or infection

Where it's running

• Toronto Western Hospital
  Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Robert Chen, MD — University Health Network, Toronto
• Study coordinator: Jean-Francois Nankoo, PhD
• Email: jean-francois.nankoo@uhn.ca
• Phone: 416-603-5792

Similar studies

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

• Noninvasive brain stimulation for cervical dystonia using continuous theta-burst in a sham-controlled trial

  This study tests whether delivering continuous theta-burst stimulation to the brain can reduce neck dystonia symptoms compared with sham stimulation.

  Recruiting Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico · Roma, Roma · NCT07681284

• Vibration to improve head posture in cervical dystonia

  This trial will test whether stronger vibration applied to the neck muscles helps correct abnormal head posture in people with cervical dystonia.

  Recruiting University of Minnesota · Minneapolis, Minnesota · NCT07245615

• Adding zinc to Botox for cervical dystonia

  This will test whether taking daily zinc citrate after a Botox injection helps people with cervical dystonia keep symptom relief longer.

  Recruiting Phase 2 University of Florida · Gainesville, Florida · NCT07140874

• IPN10200 treatment for cervical dystonia in adults

  This trial will test whether a single injection of IPN10200 (one of two doses) reduces neck posture problems, pain, and disability better than placebo in adults with cervical dystonia.

  Recruiting at 27 sites Phase 2 Ipsen · Tucson, Arizona and 44 other locations · NCT06937931

• Using Valbenazine with Botulinum Toxin for Cervical Dystonia

  This study is testing if adding a medication called valbenazine to botulinum toxin injections can help people with cervical dystonia feel better and improve their quality of life.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Virginia Commonwealth University · Richmond, Virginia · NCT06771323

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.