Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease
(tDCS Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a treatment called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to determine if it can improve movement and reduce fatigue in people with Parkinson's disease. Researchers believe that sending small electrical currents to a specific part of the brain might enhance motor function and lessen fatigue. The trial includes two groups: one will receive the real treatment, and the other will receive a sham treatment. Individuals with Parkinson's disease who experience symptoms like tremors or stiffness might be a good fit for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could lead to new treatment options.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that transcranial direct current stimulation is safe for Parkinson's disease patients?
Research has shown that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is generally safe. In one study, 33.3% of participants experienced minor side effects during their sessions, with tingling at the contact site being the most common. These effects were mild and brief.
Although tDCS has not been proven to improve movement or balance in people with Parkinson's disease, it remains safe. Its use in other conditions suggests it is well-tolerated. Prospective participants should consult a healthcare provider for personal advice before joining a trial.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Unlike the standard treatments for Parkinson’s disease, which often involve medications like levodopa and dopamine agonists, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) offers a non-invasive approach that targets brain activity directly. Researchers are excited about tDCS because it uses mild electrical currents to potentially enhance neural connectivity and improve motor function. This method is unique because it may provide benefits without the side effects commonly associated with long-term medication use. Moreover, tDCS can be administered quickly and may show results in just a few days, offering a promising alternative or complement to existing therapies.
What evidence suggests that transcranial direct current stimulation is effective for Parkinson's disease?
Research has shown that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can aid people with Parkinson's disease (PD) by enhancing movement and reducing fatigue. Some studies found that tDCS improves walking and balance, common issues for those with PD. It may also enhance cognitive skills, making daily tasks easier. Although results can vary, these findings suggest that tDCS might be a useful option for managing PD symptoms. In this trial, participants in the experimental group will receive 2mA of anodal tDCS for 20 minutes daily over 5 consecutive days, while the sham group will receive brief stimulation during each session.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Jau-Shin Lou, MD
Principal Investigator
Sanford Health
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals with Parkinson's Disease who experience motor function difficulties and fatigue. Participants must be eligible based on specific criteria set by the researchers, which are not detailed here.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive 2mA of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for 20 minutes daily for 5 consecutive days
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Trial Overview
The study tests if a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) can improve movement and reduce tiredness in Parkinson's patients compared to no treatment.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
The experimental group will receive 2mA of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for 20 minutes daily for 5 consecutive days.
The sham group will be connected to the anodal transcranial direct current stimulation device daily for 5 days. During the 20 minute sessions, the participant will only receive stimulation for a 30-second ramp up period, at which point the stimulation will be discontinued for the remainder of the time.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Sanford Health
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Transcranial direct current stimulation for Parkinson's disease
One study (33%) found significant improvements after stimulating the sensorimotor cortex, whereas the other two studies (66%) detected no ...
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease ...
tDCS has demonstrated hypoalgesic effects on Parkinson's disease (PD)‐related pain applied in the On state but not in the Off state.
3.
frontiersin.org
frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2025.1495492/fullEfficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation on ...
Conclusion: tDCS demonstrated substantial efficacy in enhancing overall cognition in patients with PD. The efficacy of tDCS was obvious in ...
Efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation on ...
Conclusion: tDCS demonstrated substantial efficacy in enhancing overall cognition in patients with PD. The efficacy of tDCS was obvious in ...
5.
jneuroengrehab.biomedcentral.com
jneuroengrehab.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12984-024-01311-2Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation alone and in ...
Our results indicated that tDCS is significantly associated with gait and balance improvements among individuals with PD.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Parkinson's ...
There was no significant tDCS alone short-term effect on motor function, balance, gait, dyskinesias or motor fluctuations in Parkinson's disease.
Feasibility and Safety of Sequential Transcranial ...
Together, 2 out of 6 (33.3%) participants reported some type of side effects across their stimulation sessions. Sensations under electrodes were reported in ...
Efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation on ...
The improvement of overall cognition in patients with Parkinson's disease with tDCS was the primary outcome indicator. The improvement of ...
Transcranial direct current stimulation as treatment for ...
This brief review focuses on available data regarding the effects of tDCS on motor ability and cognition in people with movement disorders. Findings indicate ...
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