Map brain signals causing tremor
- Trial ID
- NCT06692920
- Official Title
- Characterizing the Pathophysiological Role of the Pallido-thalamocortical Motor Pathway in Parkinson's Disease.
- Goal
- Map brain signals causing tremor
- Phase
- NA
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sponsor
- University of Minnesota
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Enrollment
- 25 participants
- Conditions
- Parkinson Disease
- Interventions
- DBS stimulation
Summary For Families
The goal is to map how the pallido-thalamocortical motor pathway contributes to Parkinson's motor problems, so clinicians can better understand the circuit-level causes of tremor, slowness, and stiffness. During the participant's planned deep brain stimulation surgery at the University of Minnesota, researchers will apply and record DBS stimulation to probe how electrical pulses change activity along that pathway; DBS delivers controlled electrical pulses to deep brain targets to normalize or interrupt abnormal firing that drives symptoms. This work is focused on brain circuit signals during routine DBS care rather than testing a new drug. The study is looking for adults aged 21 to 75 with idiopathic Parkinson's who are already scheduled for DBS at UMN, excluding people with other major neurologic disorders, dementia, certain post-op complications, pregnancy, or recent unsafe research radiation exposure.
Locations
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this trial testing?
- This trial is studying DBS stimulation. The goal is to map how the pallido-thalamocortical motor pathway contributes to Parkinson's motor problems, so clinicians can better understand the circuit-level causes of tremor, slowness, and stiffness. During the participant's planned deep brain stimulation surgery at the University of Minnesota, researchers will apply and record DBS stimulation to probe how electrical pulses change activity along that pathway; DBS delivers controlled electrical pulses to deep brain targets to normalize or interrupt abnormal firing that drives symptoms. This work is focused on brain circuit signals during routine DBS care rather than testing a new drug. The study is looking for adults aged 21 to 75 with idiopathic Parkinson's who are already scheduled for DBS at UMN, excluding people with other major neurologic disorders, dementia, certain post-op complications, pregnancy, or recent unsafe research radiation exposure.
- Who can participate?
- Participants must be between 21 Years and 75 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.
- 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.