Transcranial direct current stimulation for laryngeal dystonia
Network Targeted Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) as a Treatment for Laryngeal Dystonia (LD)
NA · Yale University · NCT06830174
This trial will try transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in people with laryngeal dystonia to see if it improves voice control.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Yale University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (New Haven, Connecticut) |
| Trial ID | NCT06830174 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Participants will undergo baseline MRI and EEG recordings and then attend multiple testing sessions across five days. People with laryngeal dystonia will receive 20 minutes of high-definition tDCS (HD-tDCS) via the Starstim system while watching videos or performing a word-production task. Stimulation will be applied to several brain regions thought to be involved in voice control to alter neural activity. Outcomes will compare voice measures and neuroimaging/EEG signals before and after the stimulation protocol.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults with a confirmed diagnosis of laryngeal dystonia who have no other speech or voice disorders, are not pregnant, and can attend multiple sessions at the study site are appropriate candidates.
Not a fit: People with a history of epilepsy or significant depression, those who are claustrophobic or pregnant, or those with other active voice disorders would likely be ineligible or unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce voice spasms and improve speech quality using a noninvasive, clinic-based treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Noninvasive brain stimulation methods like tDCS have produced mixed but promising findings in small studies of movement and voice disorders, so this approach is experimental but plausible.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants must be clinically evaluated for the diagnosis of LD or have the proof of LD diagnosis. (Not applicable for control participants) * No other known or history of speech, voice disorder other than LD. * Provision of signed and dated informed consent form. * Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study * Must not be pregnant. Exclusion Criteria: * All individuals who do not meet the above mentioned criteria are excluded from the study. * Subjects with a history of epilepsy or depression or is claustrophobic.
Where this trial is running
New Haven, Connecticut
- Yale University — New Haven, Connecticut, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nabin Koirala, PhD — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Nabin Koirala, PhD
- Email: nabin.koirala@yale.edu
- Phone: 203 7852527
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.
Conditions: Laryngeal Dystonia