Neurophysiology of the Basal Ganglia, Thalamus, and Cerebellum in Patients With Movement Disorders

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · Feb 21, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is focused on understanding how certain parts of the brain, including the cortex, basal ganglia, thalamus, and cerebellum, affect movement disorders like Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia, and ataxia. The researchers want to learn how these brain areas work together and how their electrical activity relates to the symptoms of these disorders. To do this, they will use noninvasive electrodes placed on the scalp to record brain activity and, if participants have a specific type of deep brain stimulator, they may also record from that device. The goal is to identify particular brain patterns that are linked to movement symptoms.

People who may qualify for the study are adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with one of the movement disorders mentioned. However, individuals with dementia will not be eligible to participate. If someone joins the study, they can expect to contribute to important research that could help improve understanding of movement disorders, potentially leading to better treatments in the future. The study is not yet recruiting participants, so there will be more information available later for those interested.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients 18 years of age and above
• * Any patient who has been diagnosed by a movement disorders neurologist with one of the following movement disorders:
• • Parkinson's disease
• • Dystonia
• • Tremor, including essential tremor
• • Cerebellar ataxia
• • Other hyperkinetic movement disorders, such as chorea and tics
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • - Patients with dementia