Understanding brain activity in Parkinson's disease during surgery

Characterizing the Pathophysiological Role of the Pallido-thalamocortical Motor Pathway in Parkinson's Disease.

Not applicable Interventional University of Minnesota · NCT06692920

This study is testing how brain activity during surgery can help doctors better understand and treat motor symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment25 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Minnesota Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT06692920 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to explore the relationship between brain activity and motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. Participants will have an FDA-approved ECoG strip placed in their brain during the DBS procedure to record electrical activity while performing motor tasks. The study will compare brain activity from the DBS lead and the ECoG strip to identify biomarkers associated with Parkinson's disease and optimize stimulation locations. The goal is to enhance understanding of how different brain regions communicate and how this information can improve treatment outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 21-75 diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease who are scheduled for DBS surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with significant neurological disorders other than Parkinson's disease or those with a history of dementia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective DBS treatments for patients with Parkinson's disease by optimizing stimulation based on brain activity.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on DBS and brain activity, this specific approach using ECoG strips in conjunction with DBS is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of idiopathic PD
* DBS surgery at UMN is planned as part of routine clinical care
* Aged 21-75

Exclusion Criteria:

* Other significant neurological disorder, which may confound neurophysiological changes associated with Parkinson's disease
* History of dementia
* Patients with post-operative complications or adverse effects (e.g. ON stimulation dystonias) that affect patient safety or confound the experiment will be excluded from further study
* Pregnant women
* Known research radiation exposure within the last year that is determined to be unsafe when compounded with the expected radiation dose from intraoperative fluoroscopy

Where this trial is running

Minneapolis, Minnesota

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 Parkinson Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.