Understanding brain function in Parkinson's disease to improve deep brain stimulation

Circuit-Based Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease P1A2&3 Catalyst

University of Minnesota · NCT05658302

This study is trying to learn more about how the brain works in people with Parkinson's disease to find better ways to use deep brain stimulation for improving their movement and thinking.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages21 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Minnesota (other)
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT05658302 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to enhance our understanding of brain function in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) by examining the dynamics of the basal ganglia thalamocortical circuit. The research focuses on how these brain circuits relate to the movement and cognitive challenges faced by PD patients. By analyzing data from patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, the study seeks to identify specific brain regions that can be targeted for optimized DBS therapy. The ultimate goal is to develop patient-specific DBS approaches that improve treatment outcomes for those with PD.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 21 and older diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease who are scheduled for DBS surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with significant neurological disorders, a history of dementia, or those experiencing post-operative complications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective and personalized deep brain stimulation treatments for Parkinson's disease patients.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease, this approach focusing on circuit dynamics and patient-specific treatment is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of idiopathic PD
* Surgery at UMN to implant DBS system with directional lead(s) and multiple independent current control IPG is planned as part of routine clinical care
* At least 21 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

* Other significant neurological disorder
* 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 radiation exposure within the last year that is determined to be unsafe when compounded with the expected radiation dose from intraoperative fluoroscopy to place ECoG strip

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Parkinson Disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.