Using algorithms to optimize deep brain stimulation for essential tremor

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 focuses on improving deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy for essential tremor (ET) by utilizing subject-specific computational models to predict neural activation pathways. By analyzing high-field 7-Tesla MRI and diffusion tensor imaging from participants, the researchers aim to identify optimal stimulation settings that selectively target therapeutic pathways in the brain. The study will evaluate the efficacy and efficiency of these optimized settings in patients with medication-refractory tremor who have undergone VIM-DBS implantation. The goal is to streamline the programming process for clinicians and enhance treatment outcomes for ET patients.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* diagnosis of ET
* medication-refractory tremor
* VIM-DBS implant (unilateral or bilateral)
* 7T MRI pre-operative scan under Dr. Harel's IRB (institutional review board) protocol (#1210M22183)
* Post-operative CT scan

Exclusion Criteria:

* history of musculoskeletal disorders that affect movement of the limbs
* other significant neurological disorder
* prior history of stereotactic neurosurgery (other than VIM-DBS surgery)
* pregnancy

Where it's running

• University of Minnesota
  Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Matthew Johnson, PhD
• Email: john5101@umn.edu
• Phone: 6126266492

Similar studies

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

• Encora X1 in Daily Life for Essential Tremor

  This real-world study tests how the Encora X1 wrist device affects day-to-day activities for adults with essential tremor over three years.

  Recruiting Encora, Inc. · Boston, Massachusetts · NCT07911488

• Intraoperative Microelectrode Recordings with MAVEN vs Standard Equipment

  This study tests whether MAVEN can match the recording data collected during DBS surgery for movement disorders using standard equipment.

  Recruiting Mayo Clinic · Rochester, Minnesota · NCT07868614

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

  This early feasibility test checks a new microelectrode-based brain stimulation method in adults with Parkinson’s disease or essential tremor who are already getting deep brain stimulation implants.

  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.