Speech-motor behavioral testing
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This study will investigate the how the cerebellum is involved in speech motor learning over time and short-term corrections in patients with cerebellar ataxia and healthy controls. This will be accomplished through three approaches: behavioral studies, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). During behavioral studies, participants will be asked to speak into a microphone while their voice is played back over earphones, and to do other speaking tasks. MRI will be acquired to perform a detailed analysis on brain function and anatomy related to speech and the cerebellum. In healthy controls, TMS will also be performed to temporarily disrupt the cerebellum before, during, or after the participant performs speaking tasks. Patients with cerebellar ataxia and healthy volunteers will be asked to complete behavioral studies and/or MRI; healthy volunteers may be asked to additionally participate in TMS.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are a healthy volunteer, certain medications might be a concern for TMS participation. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the study team.
Is TMS and MRI safe for treating cerebellar ataxia?
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) has been studied for various neurological conditions, including cerebellar ataxia, and is generally considered safe with only mild side effects reported in some cases. There is a slight risk of seizures, but no severe adverse events have been commonly reported in studies.12345
How does the TMS and MRI treatment for cerebellar ataxia differ from other treatments?
The TMS and MRI treatment for cerebellar ataxia is unique because it uses non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS) to improve brain function, which is not a standard treatment for this condition. TMS has shown promise in improving symptoms in other neurological disorders by enhancing brain connectivity and function, offering a novel approach compared to traditional therapies.45678
What data supports the effectiveness of this treatment for cerebellar ataxia?
Research shows that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve symptoms of cerebellar ataxia, such as balance and coordination, as seen in studies where patients experienced better scores on ataxia rating scales after treatment. Additionally, a systematic review and meta-analysis found that rTMS over the cerebellum significantly improved ataxia symptoms without causing significant adverse effects.3791011
Who Is on the Research Team?
Ben Parrell, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Richard Ivry, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
University of California, Berkeley
John F. Houde, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
University of California, San Francisco
Srikantan S. Nagarajan, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
University of California, San Francisco
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for people with cerebellar ataxia who have normal hearing and speak American English, or healthy individuals without physical/neurological issues. Participants must not have seizures, metal implants, heart disease, be pregnant, use hearing aids, or suffer from psychiatric illnesses unrelated to cerebellar damage.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Behavioral Studies
Participants perform speaking tasks while their voice is played back over earphones, and other speaking tasks are conducted.
MRI Studies
MRI is acquired to analyze brain function and anatomy related to speech and the cerebellum.
TMS Studies
In healthy controls, TMS is performed to temporarily disrupt the cerebellum during speaking tasks.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the main study activities.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- MRI
- Speech-motor behavioral testing
- TMS
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, San Francisco
Lead Sponsor
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Collaborator
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Collaborator
University of California, Berkeley
Collaborator