Understanding brain changes in essential tremor after deep brain stimulation

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 study aims to investigate the structural and functional connectivity changes in the dentato-rubro-thalamic tract (DRTt) following deep brain stimulation (DBS) in patients with essential tremor. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques, the research will assess how DBS affects brain connectivity and potentially improves tremor symptoms. The study focuses on patients whose tremors have not responded to medication and significantly impact their quality of life. The findings could provide insights into the mechanisms of DBS and its effects on brain function.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* the diagnosis of Essential Tremor, made by a movement disorder neurologist, where tremor is not secondary to any disease process or traumatic insult
* distal appendicular tremor, with minimal proximal component
* tremor refractory to multiple medication regimens and/or where the medications cause intolerable side effects
* tremor judged to be severely impacting their quality of life.

Exclusion Criteria:

* significant neurological disorder
* significant dementia or neurocognitive limitations as assessed by neuropsychiatry (when necessary)
* severe psychiatric illness with suicidal ideations
* previous surgery to destroy the target region of the brain
* surgical contraindications to DBS
* current major medical problems that affect brain anatomy,neurochemistry, or function, e.g., liver insufficiency, kidney insufficiency, cardiovascular problems, systemic infections, cancer, hypothyroidism, auto-immune diseases, and any current of history of brain disorder (seizure disorder, stroke, dementia, meningitis, encephalitis, degenerative neurologic diseases and head injury with loss of consciousness for any period of time)
* family history of hereditary neurologic disorder, besides essential tremors ET
* floating metallic objects in the body
* pregnancy
* alcohol or substance abuse/dependence in the past 6 months.

Where it's running

• North Shore University Hospital
  Manhasset, New York, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Albert J Fenoy, MD — Northwell Health
• Study coordinator: Mark Amandola
• Email: mamandola@northwell.edu
• Phone: 516 491 1054

Similar studies

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

• Encora X1 in Daily Life for Essential Tremor

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• Intraoperative Microelectrode Recordings with MAVEN vs Standard Equipment

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• Microelectrode-based brain stimulation for Parkinson’s and essential tremor

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  Recruiting Lund University · Lund, Skåne County · NCT07820189

• Non-Invasive Nerve Stimulation for Essential Tremor: Long-Term Safety and Effectiveness

  This study tests whether a non-invasive stimulation device called TAPS helps reduce tremor in adults with essential tremor over a long period.

  Recruiting Ruijin Hospital · Shanghai · NCT07774598

• Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Essential Tremor in Adults

  This early-stage, open-label study tests whether repeated low-intensity focused ultrasound can safely and briefly modulate tremor in people with essential tremor.

  Recruiting Early Phase 1 University of California, Los Angeles · Los Angeles, California · NCT07599592

• Closed-loop TMS to reduce tremor

  This trial tries phase-locked transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to reduce tremor in people with essential tremor or Parkinson's disease.

  Recruiting University of Oxford · Oxford, Oxfordshire · NCT07574164

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.