Left STN-DBS on, right STN-DBS off… for Parkinson's (NCT06994728)
Right brain stimulation reduces freezing
- Trial ID
- NCT06994728
- Official Title
- Characterization of Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation Laterality on Visuospatial Attention and Correlation to Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease
- Goal
- Right brain stimulation reduces freezing
- Phase
- NA
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sponsor
- Medical University of South Carolina
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Enrollment
- 12 participants
- Conditions
- Parkinson Disease, Gait Disorders, Neurologic, Visuospatial/Perceptual Abilities
- Interventions
- Left STN-DBS on, right STN-DBS off first, Right STN-DBS on, left STN-DBS off first
Summary For Families
The goal is to find out how deep brain stimulation of a small brain area called the subthalamic nucleus affects attention and the ability to judge space, and whether changes in visual attention are linked to episodes where walking suddenly stops, called freezing of gait. People who already have stimulators on both sides will be tested in sequences where either the left stimulator is on and the right is off first, or the right is on and the left is off first, so researchers can compare left versus right stimulation; this builds on earlier work showing right-side stimulation can help freezing and that the right side of the brain is important for visual attention. The study is open to adults 18 and older with Parkinson's who experience freezing of gait and who already had bilateral subthalamic nucleus stimulators implanted, while people with uncorrected vision or hearing problems, dementia or certain brain lesions, or who are pregnant are not eligible.
Locations
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this trial testing?
- This trial is studying Left STN-DBS on, right STN-DBS off first. The goal is to find out how deep brain stimulation of a small brain area called the subthalamic nucleus affects attention and the ability to judge space, and whether changes in visual attention are linked to episodes where walking suddenly stops, called freezing of gait. People who already have stimulators on both sides will be tested in sequences where either the left stimulator is on and the right is off first, or the right is on and the left is off first, so researchers can compare left versus right stimulation; this builds on earlier work showing right-side stimulation can help freezing and that the right side of the brain is important for visual attention. The study is open to adults 18 and older with Parkinson's who experience freezing of gait and who already had bilateral subthalamic nucleus stimulators implanted, while people with uncorrected vision or hearing problems, dementia or certain brain lesions, or who are pregnant are not eligible.
- 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?
- You are never charged a fee to join a legitimate clinical trial, and the study treatment and study-specific tests are provided by the trial sponsor at no charge. In the US, routine care you would receive anyway can still be billed to you or your insurance; coverage rules differ by country, and trials in the UK and Canada usually run through public health systems. Travel, parking, and time are real costs, and some trials reimburse them while others do not. Before enrolling, ask the study coordinator to explain in writing what is and is not covered.
- How long does the trial last?
- This trial is estimated to last approximately 1 year and 2 months.
- 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.
- 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.
- Will I get a placebo in this trial?
- This is a crossover trial: instead of staying in one group, you move through a sequence of assignments, so you receive the active treatment during at least one period of the study. Ask the coordinator for the exact sequence and how long each phase lasts.
- What procedures are involved in this trial?
- Based on the protocol, this trial involves: Brain surgery / implanted device (invasive). Confirm the full schedule with the study coordinator.