Using focused ultrasound to treat essential tremor
Ultrasound Neuromodulation in Essential Tremor
This study is testing if low-intensity focused ultrasound can help reduce tremors in people with essential tremor by targeting specific areas of the brain.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Francisco Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (San Francisco, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06610877 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study tests the effects of low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) on brain activity and behavior in patients with essential tremor. By targeting specific brain areas responsible for tremor, the researchers aim to identify optimal stimulation parameters that lead to temporary tremor reduction. The study involves measuring wrist movements and using resting state fMRI to observe changes in brain connectivity after LIFU application. Patients will be recruited from an existing program that treats tremor using high-intensity focused ultrasound.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with medically refractory essential tremor who are scheduled for MR-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound thalamotomy.
Not a fit: Patients with MR-conditional pacemakers will not benefit from this study due to safety and logistical concerns.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-invasive treatment option for patients suffering from essential tremor.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies using focused ultrasound for brain modulation have shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with medically refractory tremor scheduled to undergo MR-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) thalamotomy to treat their tremor at UCSF. Exclusion Criteria: * Due to the logistical complexity of performing MRI in patients with MR-conditional pacemakers (need for device and patient monitoring), patients with pacemakers will be excluded from enrollment. All other patients undergoing HIFU thalamotomy for tremor will be eligible for enrollment.
Where this trial is running
San Francisco, California
- Pritzker Building, UCSF — San Francisco, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Leo Sugrue, MD, PhD — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Leo P. Sugrue, MD, PhD
- Email: leo.sugrue@ucsf.edu
- Phone: 415-353-9056
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.