Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery for Movement Disorders

Launched by NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE (NINDS) · Apr 19, 2012

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a surgery called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for people with movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia. DBS is used when other treatments haven’t worked well. During the surgery, a small device is placed under the skin in the chest, which sends signals to specific areas of the brain to help control abnormal movements. Researchers want to understand how this surgery affects these conditions and also learn more about brain function while the procedure is happening.

To participate in this trial, you need to be at least 18 years old and have one of the specified movement disorders that aren't well controlled by medications. If you join, you'll go through some tests before the surgery to ensure it's safe for you. During the surgery, you'll perform some movement and memory exercises to help doctors see how well the stimulation is working. After the surgery, you'll stay in the hospital for recovery and have follow-up visits to adjust the device and check your progress in movement and overall quality of life. This is an important opportunity to gain more insight into how DBS can help manage movement disorders.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• * INCLUSION CRITERIA:
• To be eligible for entry into the study, candidates must meet all the following criteria:
• • Be 18 years of age or older.
• • Able to provide informed consent.
• Have a clinical diagnosis of one of the following as confirmed by the NIH movement disorders clinic team and the multi-disciplinary DBS surgical conference, and deemed as appropriate for the use of Deep Brain Stimulation therapy:
• • idiopathic PD not adequately controlled with medication or
• • primary dystonia that is medically refractory, or
• • ET that is not adequately controlled by medications or constitutes a significant functional disability.
• EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
• Candidates will be excluded if they:
• • Are unable or unwilling to give informed consent to the research procedures.