Efficacy of Cerebellar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Treat Hereditary Spinocerebellar Ataxias

Launched by XIJING HOSPITAL · Mar 20, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new treatment method called navigated iTBS (Intermittent Theta-Burst Stimulation) to help adults with hereditary spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA), a group of conditions that affect movement and coordination. The main goals are to see if this treatment can improve symptoms of ataxia, which is a loss of control over body movements, and to check if it is safe for participants. Researchers will evaluate changes in symptoms before and after treatment, as well as follow up with participants over several weeks to monitor any side effects like dizziness or headaches.

To participate, individuals should be aged 18 to 65 and have a confirmed diagnosis of SCA through genetic testing. They should also have noticeable movement issues, but not be dealing with serious medical problems like severe kidney or liver disease. Participants will receive either the actual treatment or a placebo (a fake treatment) for seven days, and their progress will be assessed at set times afterward. It’s important for potential participants to discuss their medical history thoroughly, as certain conditions and medications might prevent them from joining the trial.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • SCA1/2/3 patients confirmed by genetic testing
• • aged 18-65 years
• • presence of ataxia with a score3-20 on the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) and a score\<60 on the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS)
• • Signed informed consent by patients or their family members
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with serious medical conditions (such as kidney failure, liver disease) and uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes
• • Patients with severe cognitive and behavioral disorders or mental illness
• • Pregnant and lactating patients; Use other ongoing clinical medications, except for neuroprotective agents such as coenzyme Q10, butylphthalein, or cyticholine; If patients are taking valproate, riluzole and other drugs but they and their guardians have a strong desire for treatment, they can be evaluated again after washout.
• • History of stroke, encephalitis and epilepsy
• • Pacemakers, electronic devices and intracranial metal objects.