Understanding brain networks in movement disorders

Motor Network Physiology Characterization During Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery

Not applicable Interventional University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · NCT04957095

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

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 89 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Dallas, Texas)
Trial IDNCT04957095 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who are recommended for deep brain stimulation to manage their movement disorder.

Not a fit: Patients with significant cognitive deficits or recent use of anticoagulant medications may not benefit from this study.

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 performed: Other studies have shown promise in using deep brain stimulation for movement disorders, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Dallas, Texas

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 DiseaseEssential Tremordeep brain stimulationlevodopa medicationmotor cortexbasal gangliathalamus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.