Using patient-reported ratings to guide DBS programming

Pairing Subjective Patient Rating and Local Field Potentials for DBS Programming

Ludwig-Maximilians - University of Munich · NCT07336199

This project tests whether combining patients' own ratings with brain signal recordings can help find better DBS settings for people with Parkinson's who already have STN-DBS implants.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment25 (estimated)
Ages35 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorLudwig-Maximilians - University of Munich (other)
Locations1 site (München)
Trial IDNCT07336199 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multicenter prospective and retrospective diagnostic study pairs patients' subjective visual analogue scale (VAS) ratings of stimulation effectiveness with objective local field potential (LFP) recordings, focusing on beta-band activity from implanted STN-DBS electrodes. Structural and functional neuroimaging are integrated to map individualized stimulation "sweet spots" and relate them to electrophysiological signals. The prospective cohort enrolls patients with sensing-enabled implanted pulse generators while retrospective data include recordings from compatible systems. The study is observational and aims to identify markers that could streamline and personalize DBS programming without changing clinical treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 35–80 with clinically confirmed idiopathic Parkinson's disease who have bilateral STN-DBS implants and can communicate reliably, preferably with a sensing-enabled IPG for the prospective cohort.

Not a fit: Patients without compatible sensing-capable DBS systems, those with manifest dementia, severe comorbid medical or psychiatric conditions, or non-idiopathic Parkinsonism are unlikely to benefit from the findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could speed up DBS programming and personalize stimulation settings to improve symptom control while reducing clinic time and trial-and-error adjustments.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown correlations between STN beta-band LFPs and motor symptoms and has supported sensing-enabled adaptive DBS, but combining patient VAS ratings with imaging-guided 'sweet spot' mapping for programming remains relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Age between 35 and 80 years

Clinically confirmed idiopathic Parkinson's disease according to Movement Disorder Society (MDS) criteria

Status post bilateral deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS)

Implanted DBS system suitable for electrophysiological recordings (prospective cohort: sensing-enabled IPG)

Ability to understand study procedures and communicate reliably with the investigator

Written informed consent provided

Exclusion Criteria:

Any condition impairing the ability to provide informed consent or comply with study procedures

Presence of exclusion criteria for Parkinson's disease according to MDS criteria

Manifest dementia according to ICD-10 criteria

Severe neurological, psychiatric, or medical conditions interfering with study participation or assessments

Where this trial is running

München

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Parkinson's Disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.