TMS for Cerebellar Ataxia
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment TMS for cerebellar ataxia?
Research shows that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve symptoms of cerebellar ataxia, such as balance and coordination, without significant negative effects. Studies found that rTMS improved scores on tests measuring ataxia severity and postural control, suggesting it could be a promising treatment option.12345
Is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) safe for humans?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), including repetitive TMS (rTMS), is generally considered safe for humans, with studies showing only a slight risk of seizures and mild side effects. Research on various conditions, including Parkinson's disease and cerebellar ataxia, indicates that rTMS does not result in significant adverse events, making it a promising and safe technique for treatment.12467
How does the treatment TMS differ from other treatments for cerebellar ataxia?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is unique because it is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate the brain, specifically targeting the cerebellum to improve symptoms of cerebellar ataxia. Unlike traditional drug therapies, TMS does not involve medication and has shown promise in improving balance and coordination without significant adverse effects.12489
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to see if brain activity can predict and improve motor learning in people with cerebellar ataxia. It uses non-invasive brain stimulation to adjust brain activity and tests if this helps patients learn new movement skills better.
Research Team
Amanda S Therrien, PhD
Principal Investigator
Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for individuals with cerebellar ataxia due to cerebellar degeneration. Participants must have normal or corrected vision and hearing, and meet safety criteria for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). They cannot join if they have drug abuse history, sensory loss in arms, cognitive issues affecting testing or consent, or arm injuries causing pain.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
TMS is used to assess baseline recruitment curves for corticomotor excitability and short-interval intracortical inhibition, and the cortical silent period. Participants complete a standardized clinical rating of their ataxia severity and a behavioral task using the RL paradigm.
Intervention
Participants receive cTBS, iTBS, or sham stimulation to modulate intracortical inhibition in M1 prior to performing the RL task. This phase includes 3 sessions of the RL task.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- TMS
TMS is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Albert Einstein Healthcare Network
Lead Sponsor
Medical University of South Carolina
Collaborator