Brain stimulation reduces impulsive choices
- Trial ID
- NCT06485986
- Official Title
- Frontosubthalamic Network Dynamics and Their Modulation During Impulse Control and Decision Making in Parkinson's Disease
- Goal
- Brain stimulation reduces impulsive choices
- Phase
- NA
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sponsor
- University of Oxford
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Enrollment
- 20 participants
- Conditions
- Parkinson Disease, Impulse Control Disorder
- Interventions
- DBS on/off
Summary For Families
The team wants to map how the fronto‑subthalamic brain network controls decision making and impulsive behaviours in Parkinson's, and to see how stimulating the subthalamic nucleus changes those brain signals and impulse control. People who already have STN deep brain stimulation will do decision and impulse‑control tasks while brain activity is recorded with MEG, with DBS switched on and off so researchers can compare network dynamics. DBS changes electrical activity in the subthalamic nucleus, which can alter both motor circuits and decision‑making pathways; because DBS is usually used alongside levodopa, participants will delay their morning dopamine dose for up to four hours so the team can separate stimulation effects from medication effects. The trial is for adults 18 and over with Parkinson's who already have STN electrodes and are on dopamine replacement, with or without impulse control disorders, who can sit in an MEG scanner and safely delay their morning meds.
Locations
- John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this trial testing?
- This trial is studying DBS on/off. The team wants to map how the fronto‑subthalamic brain network controls decision making and impulsive behaviours in Parkinson's, and to see how stimulating the subthalamic nucleus changes those brain signals and impulse control. People who already have STN deep brain stimulation will do decision and impulse‑control tasks while brain activity is recorded with MEG, with DBS switched on and off so researchers can compare network dynamics. DBS changes electrical activity in the subthalamic nucleus, which can alter both motor circuits and decision‑making pathways; because DBS is usually used alongside levodopa, participants will delay their morning dopamine dose for up to four hours so the team can separate stimulation effects from medication effects. The trial is for adults 18 and over with Parkinson's who already have STN electrodes and are on dopamine replacement, with or without impulse control disorders, who can sit in an MEG scanner and safely delay their morning meds.
- Who can participate?
- Participants must be at least 18 Years.
- Where is this trial located?
- This trial is recruiting at 1 location.
- Does it cost anything to join?
- No. There is no cost to participate. Study-related care and treatment are provided at no charge.
- How long does the trial last?
- This trial is estimated to last approximately 2 years and 2 months.
- Will I get the real drug or a placebo?
- It depends on the trial design. Some Parkinson's trials are placebo controlled, meaning a portion of participants get an inactive comparison while others get the experimental treatment. Some use crossover designs so everyone eventually receives the active treatment at some point. Observational trials do not use a placebo at all because they are not testing a new treatment. The consent form for any specific trial spells out the design and your odds of being assigned to placebo before you enroll.
- How often will I need to visit the study site?
- Visit frequency varies by trial. Many Parkinson's studies require an in person visit every 4 to 12 weeks during the active treatment phase, with shorter or longer gaps depending on the design. The site coordinator can give you the full visit schedule before you sign anything, so you know what the time commitment looks like.
- Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?
- Yes. You can withdraw from any clinical trial at any time, for any reason, without affecting your standard medical care. Trials are voluntary by law. The team may ask if you are willing to do a brief exit visit so they can collect safety information, but you are not obligated.
- Will travel or parking be reimbursed?
- Many trials reimburse for parking, mileage, and sometimes lodging if the site is far from your home. Reimbursement policies vary by sponsor and site. When you contact the trial team, ask specifically what is covered and how reimbursement is processed.
- Can my spouse or care partner come with me to visits?
- In most cases yes, and it is often encouraged. Care partners can help with notes, questions, and getting home safely after a long visit. Some study assessments do need to happen one on one, but care partners are usually welcome for the rest of the appointment.