Motor Network Physiology

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · Jun 29, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, titled "Motor Network Physiology," is exploring how certain brain circuits work when people have movement disorders like Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. The researchers want to understand how treatments like deep brain stimulation (DBS) and medication, such as levodopa, can help improve movement by changing the way these brain networks communicate. They believe that issues in the brain's motor circuits can lead to symptoms like stiffness and slow movement, and they aim to learn more about these changes during surgery when patients are awake.

To participate in this study, individuals must be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and recommended for deep brain stimulation to manage their movement issues. They should also be able to stay awake and cooperate for up to 40 minutes during the procedure. However, those who have recently taken blood-thinning medications or have certain cognitive impairments may not be eligible. Participants can expect to undergo surgery while researchers monitor brain activity and how it responds to stimulation and medication, providing valuable insights into improving treatments for these conditions.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease who have been recommended to undergo deep brain stimulation for management of their movement disorder
• • Preoperative MRI without evidence of cortical or subdural adhesions or vascular abnormalities
• • Willingness and ability to cooperate during conscious operative procedure for up to 40 minutes
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with recent use (within one week) of anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents
• • Neurocognitive testing indicating amnestic cognitive deficits