Using stereotactic radiosurgery to treat essential and Parkinsonian tremors
Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Essential Tremor and Parkinsonian Tremor
This study is testing if a new type of radiation treatment can help people with essential tremor or Parkinsonian tremor feel better and improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Vanderbilt University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Nashville, Tennessee) |
| Trial ID | NCT01734122 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to evaluate the impact of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) on the quality of life and severity of tremors in patients with essential tremor or Parkinsonian tremor. Participants will complete questionnaires to assess their experiences and outcomes following SRS treatment, which utilizes focused radiation to target the brain region responsible for tremors. The study seeks to determine if linear accelerator-based SRS is as effective and safe as the more commonly reported Gamma Knife procedures. This approach offers a noninvasive alternative for patients who are not candidates for traditional surgical options.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 with essential tremor or Parkinsonian tremor that is not sufficiently managed by medication and who prefer noninvasive treatment options.
Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to cranial radiation or those who have had prior surgical treatments for tremor may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from tremors that are not adequately controlled by medication.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that stereotactic radiosurgery is a safe and effective treatment for tremors, but this specific approach using linear accelerator-based SRS is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Must be certified by a neurologist as having essential tremor or Parkinsonian tremor that is insufficiently controlled by medication alone. * Preference to receive radiation treatment for tremor treatment, rather than surgical DBS implantation or surgical thalamotomy * At least 18 years old Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindications to cranial radiation (such as prior radiation to the thalamus) * Inability to have a MRI of the brain * Prior surgical thalamotomy treatment (but contralateral deep brain stimulator \[DBS\] is permitted) * Estimated life expectancy less than 1 year
Where this trial is running
Nashville, Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, Tennessee, United States (Recruiting)
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.