Using brain stimulation to improve symptoms in patients with Multiple System Atrophy - Cerebellar Variant
Efficacy and Safety of Transcranial dIrect Current stiMulation (tDCS) on Cerebellar Symptoms in Multiple System Atrophy-Cerebellar Variant (MSA-C) (STIM-MSA)
This study is testing if a type of brain stimulation can help improve symptoms and quality of life for people with the cerebellar variant of Multiple System Atrophy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Salerno Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Salerno, Sa) |
| Trial ID | NCT06821256 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the safety and efficacy of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in patients with Multiple System Atrophy - Cerebellar Variant (MSA-C). It is designed as a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial with two independent arms, where participants will receive either active or sham stimulation over a period of five consecutive days. The study aims to assess the impact of tDCS on cerebellar symptoms and overall quality of life for patients suffering from this progressive neurodegenerative disease. A total of 30 patients will be recruited, with each participant receiving both types of stimulation in a crossover design.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy - Cerebellar Variant who can walk independently or with minimal support.
Not a fit: Patients with severe sensory deficits, psychiatric disorders, or those with certain medical histories such as seizures or heart problems may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new non-invasive treatment option to improve symptoms and quality of life for patients with MSA-C.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of tDCS in other atypical parkinsonisms has shown promise, this specific application in MSA-C is relatively novel and untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Multiple system atrophy cerebellar variant according with the Movemente Disorder Society criteria (Wenning et al 2022) * Ability to walk either indipendently or with a minimum support Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of electrical stimulators (for example, pacemaker, Deep Brain Stimulation, DBS) * Difficult in understanding Italian language * Presence of severe sensory deficits (for example, visual or hearing impairments) * History of drug abuse * History of severe psychiatric disorders * History of transient ischemic attacks * Cortical or sub-cortical vascular lesions * Seizures or severe heart problems and previous neurosurgical operations * Pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Salerno, Sa
- Centro per le Malattie Neurodegenerative (CEMAND) Dipartimento di Medicina e chirurgia, Sezione Neuroscienze, Università di Salerno — Salerno, Sa, Italy (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Roberto Erro MD, PhD
- Email: rerro@unisa.it
- Phone: 089673073
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.