Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease

Overseen By Nathan DeTurk, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina

Disqualifiers: Dementia, Brain lesions, Pregnancy, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 1-2 weeks

12 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this research is to determine how deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease affects attention and visuospatial function. Additionally, this study will evaluate how deficits in visual attention are associated with freezing of gait (FOG) in Parkinson's disease. There is currently no reliable treatment for FOG and little is understood about the underlying reason this occurs. Some recent research has found that stimulating the right side of the brain seems to improve FOG. The right side of the brain is also paramount for visual attention, which is why investigators are conducting this study.

Research Team

Nathan DeTurk, MD

Principal Investigator

Medical University of South Carolina

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals with Parkinson's Disease who experience gait impairment and visuospatial perception issues. It specifically targets those interested in how deep brain stimulation (DBS) might affect their condition, particularly freezing of gait.

Inclusion Criteria

I am over 18 years old.

Subjects with freezing of gait

I have had DBS surgery on both sides of my brain for Parkinson's.

Exclusion Criteria

Uncorrected visual or hearing impairments, as indicated by self-report

Individuals who are pregnant or expect to become pregnant during the course of the study

I have dementia or brain lesions affecting my thinking or walking.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo lateralized STN-DBS stimulation to assess its impact on visuospatial attention and freezing of gait

1-2 weeks

Multiple sessions for DBS adjustment and assessment

Assessment

Participants are evaluated using tasks such as timed up and go, Go-No-Go, and Flanker tasks to measure changes in attention and freezing of gait

1 hour per session

Several assessment visits

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• STN-DBS

Trial Overview The study tests the effects of activating right or left subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS on attention and visuospatial function in Parkinson's patients. Researchers are exploring if stimulating one side can improve freezing of gait by alternating which side of the STN-DBS is turned on first.

Participant Groups

Group I: Right STN-DBS on, left STN-DBS off first Active Control 1 Intervention

STN-DBS will be turned off sequentially for each side, in this group beginning with right STN-DBS on and left STN-DBS off. This will then be followed by the corollary.

Group II: Left STN-DBS on, right STN-DBS off first Active Control 1 Intervention

STN-DBS will be turned off sequentially for each side, in this group beginning with left STN-DBS on and right STN-DBS off. This will then be followed by the corollary.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Medical University of South Carolina

Lead Sponsor

Trials

994

Recruited

7,408,000+