Understanding brain networks in movement disorders
Official title: Motor Network Physiology Characterization During Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery
Run by University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · NCT04957095 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how deep brain stimulation and medication affect brain networks in people with Parkinson's disease and essential tremor to better understand their movement problems.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Dallas, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 18, 2022 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04957095 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who are recommended for deep brain stimulation to manage their movement disorder.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant cognitive deficits or recent use of anticoagulant medications may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the brain networks involved in movement control, particularly in patients with Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. It aims to explore how deep brain stimulation and levodopa medication affect these networks and their relationship to disease symptoms. By analyzing the dynamics of the basal ganglia thalamocortical circuit, the research seeks to develop a unified theory that explains the rigidity and bradykinesia associated with Parkinson's disease. Participants will undergo awake deep brain stimulation to gather data on brain function during movement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for movement disorders, enhancing patient quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using deep brain stimulation for movement disorders, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease who have been recommended to undergo deep brain stimulation for management of their movement disorder * Preoperative MRI without evidence of cortical or subdural adhesions or vascular abnormalities * Willingness and ability to cooperate during conscious operative procedure for up to 40 minutes Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with recent use (within one week) of anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents * Neurocognitive testing indicating amnestic cognitive deficits
Where it's running
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UT Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nader Pouratian, MD, PhD — University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Nader Pouratian, MD, PhD
- Email: nader.pouratian@utsouthwestern.edu
- Phone: (214)645-5465
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Advanced brain imaging for improving deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's and essential tremor patients
This study is testing if advanced brain imaging can help doctors place and program deep brain stimulation better for people with Parkinson's disease and essential tremor to improve their movement.
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This study is testing a new home therapy using a special device to see if it can safely help people with Parkinson's disease or essential tremor reduce their tremors over two years.
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This study looks at how well a specific treatment called radiofrequency ablation works for people with movement disorders like Parkinson's disease and essential tremor.
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This study is testing a new deep learning tool to see if it can help doctors diagnose isolated dystonia more accurately and quickly.
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Neurofeedback with implanted brain electrodes for neurological disorders
This study is testing whether using real-time brain feedback from implanted electrodes can help improve symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and essential tremor.
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Understanding brain activity related to speech in neurological diseases
This study is trying to see how brain activity affects speaking in people with neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease and dystonia who are about to have deep brain stimulation surgery.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.