Using spinal cord stimulation to treat symptoms of Parkinsonism

Spinal Cord Stimulation for Parkinsonism: a Single-center, Single-arm Open Trial

Not applicable Interventional Ruijin Hospital · NCT05171205

This study is testing if spinal cord stimulation can help improve symptoms like low blood pressure, urinary issues, sleep problems, and speech difficulties in people with Parkinsonism.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages50 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorRuijin Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality)
Trial IDNCT05171205 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) as a treatment for various symptoms associated with Parkinsonism, including orthostatic hypotension, urinary retention, sleep disturbances, dysarthria, and dysphagia. The study will be conducted at a single center and aims to assess patient improvements before and after SCS treatment. By leveraging the established safety and reversibility of SCS, this innovative approach seeks to provide new therapeutic options for patients suffering from Parkinsonism.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 50 to 80 who have been diagnosed with Parkinsonism and can comply with study instructions.

Not a fit: Patients with severe depression, anxiety, or other non-neurological conditions that hinder participation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the quality of life for patients with Parkinsonism by alleviating debilitating symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: While spinal cord stimulation has been successfully used for chronic pain management, this specific application for Parkinsonism is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

1. Diagnosed with parkinsonism according to MDS clinical diagnostic criteria for Parkinson's disease
2. Aged between 50 and 80 years
3. Able and willing to follow instruction of the researcher
4. No other conditions that the researchers consider inappropriate for inclusion

Exclusion criteria:

1. Severe depression (HAMD-17 above 17 as moderate to severe) or anxiety
2. Pregnancy
3. History of alcoholism
4. Non-neurological disease-related symptoms that prevent patients from participation in the study

Where this trial is running

Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality

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 Parkinsonism
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.