Essential tremor
MONDO:0003233A relatively common disorder characterized by a fairly specific pattern of tremors which are most prominent in the upper extremities and neck, inducing titubations of the head. The tremor is usually mild, but when severe may be disabling. An autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance may occur in some families (i.e., familial tremor). (Mov Disord 1988;13(1):5-10)
Also known as: essential hereditary tremor, tremor, hereditary essential
96 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types.
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Broader categories
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Brain pacemaker trial aims to tame Parkinson's symptoms
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study follows 300 adults with Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, or dystonia who receive deep brain stimulation (DBS). DBS uses a device implanted in the chest to send electrical pulses to brain areas controlling movement. Researchers will track symptom severity, medicat…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jul 02, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Could a sticky solution help IVF embryos implant?
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study tests whether adding a substance called hyaluronan to the liquid used during embryo transfer can improve pregnancy rates in IVF. Researchers will compare live birth rates between women whose embryos are placed in a hyaluronan-rich medium versus a standard one. The tria…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: ART Fertility Clinics LLC • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:02 UTC
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Brain pacemaker study aims to shake up essential tremor treatment
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study is collecting information from 500 people with essential tremor who are using a Boston Scientific deep brain stimulation (DBS) system, which is already approved for use. The goal is to see how the device affects quality of life in real-world settings, not just in contr…
Sponsor: Boston Scientific Corporation • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:07 UTC
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Can a second brain zap tame tremors on both sides?
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study tests whether a second focused ultrasound treatment on the opposite side of the brain can further reduce tremors in people with essential tremor who already had one treatment. About 100 participants will be randomly assigned to get the second procedure or continue stan…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: InSightec • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:04 UTC
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Brain pacemaker surgery tested for Parkinson's and tremor
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study is testing deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery for people with Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, or dystonia that doesn't improve enough with medication. DBS uses a device like a pacemaker to send electrical pulses to specific brain areas that control movement. R…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:02 UTC
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New dual brain implant aims to stop severe tremors
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study tests a new type of brain implant with two leads to better control severe essential tremor in 10 adults who already have a standard implant. The goal is to see if this approach improves tremor control and can lead to a smarter, adaptive system. This is an early feasibi…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Florida • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:03 UTC
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3-D brain mapping could sharpen ultrasound treatment for hand tremors
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study tests whether using 3-D tractography—a detailed brain imaging method—can make focused ultrasound ablation safer and more effective for people with essential tremor. Twenty-four adults with moderate to severe tremor that hasn't responded to medication will receive the p…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:12 UTC
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5-Year study tracks brain implant for Parkinson's and tremor
Disease control Recruiting nowThis international study is following 1,000 people who already have or are getting an Abbott deep brain stimulation (DBS) system to treat Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, or dystonia. Researchers will track how well the device controls symptoms and monitor for serious side …
Sponsor: Abbott Medical Devices • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:09 UTC
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Sound waves vs. shakes: can ultrasound tame essential tremor for years?
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study tracks 240 adults with essential tremor that doesn't improve with medication. They will receive a non-invasive procedure called MR-guided focused ultrasound, which uses sound waves to target the brain area causing tremors. Researchers will check if tremor control lasts…
Sponsor: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:53 UTC
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AI aims to cut years off dystonia diagnosis time
Diagnosis Recruiting nowThis study is testing a computer program called DystoniaNet that uses artificial intelligence to help doctors diagnose isolated dystonia, a movement disorder. The trial will enroll 1000 people with dystonia or other conditions that look like it, such as Parkinson's disease or ess…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:01 UTC
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Eye scan could spot Parkinson's years before symptoms worsen
Diagnosis Recruiting nowThis study is testing a new, non-invasive eye scan to see if it can detect Parkinson's disease in its early stages. Researchers will compare the eye scan results with standard brain imaging in 200 participants, including people with early Parkinson's, related movement disorders, …
Sponsor: Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:59 UTC
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Could a botox-like injection quiet shaky hands?
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study tests an investigational drug called gemibotulinumtoxinA (a type of botulinum toxin) injected into arm muscles to reduce tremor in adults with essential tremor. About 94 participants will receive either the drug or a placebo injection. Researchers will measure changes …
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: AbbVie • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jul 01, 2026 00:00 UTC
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New brain stimulation approach aims to quiet tremors with less power
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study tests a new way to deliver deep brain stimulation (DBS) for essential tremor, called coordinated reset DBS. Instead of constant high-frequency pulses, it uses lower-current patterns that may work better and have fewer downsides. About 23 adults with essential tremor wh…
Phase: PHASE1 • Sponsor: University of Minnesota • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:07 UTC
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Sound waves to stop shaking? early trial tests gentle brain ultrasound for tremor
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis early-phase study tests whether low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) can safely reduce tremors in people with essential tremor. Twenty adults will receive six non-invasive ultrasound sessions targeting a small brain area involved in movement. Researchers will measure trem…
Phase: EARLY_PHASE1 • Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:35 UTC
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Magnetic pulses timed to brain rhythms may quiet tremors without surgery
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study tests whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) timed to a person's own tremor cycle can reduce shaking in Essential Tremor and Parkinson's disease. Twenty participants with each condition will receive TMS pulses over the motor cortex while their tremor is record…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Oxford • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:30 UTC
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New wearable gadget aims to ease movement problems in kids
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study is testing a device called ViBandz, which uses small vibrating motors strapped to the body to provide vibration therapy. Researchers want to see if it is easy and comfortable for children with neurological conditions to use at home. The study will involve 30 children a…
Sponsor: Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas City • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:24 UTC
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Sound waves aim to quiet shaky hands – at least for a moment
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study tests whether low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) can temporarily reduce essential tremor by targeting specific brain areas. Sixty people scheduled for a standard ultrasound procedure will receive up to 25 short ultrasound pulses while researchers measure tremor ch…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:10 UTC
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New brain zapping method aims to calm shaky hands
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study tests a new way to treat essential tremor, a condition that causes uncontrollable shaking during everyday tasks like writing or holding a cup. Instead of targeting just one brain area, researchers will stimulate two key regions—the supplementary motor area and the cere…
Phase: PHASE1, PHASE2 • Sponsor: São Paulo State University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:12 UTC
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Brain pacemaker learns your sleep schedule to stop tremors better
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study tests a new way to use deep brain stimulation (DBS) for essential tremor. Normally, DBS runs all the time, which can cause side effects and make the treatment less effective over time. The researchers will program the device to automatically turn off when you are aslee…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Florida • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:06 UTC
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Virtual reality may soothe Pre-Procedure jitters in essential tremor patients
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study looks at whether watching a virtual reality (VR) video can lower anxiety in people about to undergo a brain procedure (MRgFUS) for severe hand tremors. About 60 adults will be randomly assigned to watch one of two VR videos before their treatment. Researchers will meas…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:04 UTC
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New drug BP1.4979 aims to calm shaky hands
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study tests if a new drug called BP1.4979 can reduce tremors in adults with essential tremor, a condition causing uncontrollable shaking. About 50 participants will take either the drug or a placebo twice daily for 4 weeks. Researchers will check tremor severity and safety t…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Bioprojet • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:04 UTC
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Brain pacemaker tweak could help stroke and tremor patients speak and swallow better
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study looks at whether adjusting deep brain stimulation (DBS) can improve movement, speech, and swallowing in people already implanted with DBS for conditions like tremor, stroke, or traumatic brain injury. Researchers will test hand dexterity, grip strength, facial movement…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Jorge Gonzalez-Martinez • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:04 UTC
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Could a vibrating wristband quiet your shaky hands?
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study is testing a wristband that delivers gentle, personalized vibrations to the wrist to help reduce hand tremors in people with essential tremor or Parkinson's disease. About 80 participants will use the device at home over several weeks. The goal is to see if the device …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Encora, Inc. • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:59 UTC
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New direction in brain stimulation may reduce tremor without affecting speech
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study tests a newer type of deep brain stimulation (DBS) that aims to control essential tremor while causing fewer problems with speech, walking, and balance. About 24 adults with hand tremors for at least 3 years will receive both directional and standard DBS to compare whi…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Oregon Health and Science University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:56 UTC
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Sound waves aim to quiet shaky hands in new trial
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis early study tests whether gentle ultrasound waves aimed at a deep brain area can safely reduce hand tremors. It will include 12 people with Parkinson's, essential tremor, or dystonic tremor who haven't gotten enough relief from medication. The main goal is to check safety, b…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: National Taiwan University Hospital • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 17:13 UTC
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Zapping tremors: radiation may offer new hope for Parkinson's and essential tremor patients
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study follows 60 people with essential tremor or Parkinson's tremor whose symptoms aren't well-controlled by medication. After receiving stereotactic radiosurgery—a precise dose of radiation to a small brain area—participants fill out questionnaires about their quality of li…
Sponsor: Vanderbilt University Medical Center • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 15:49 UTC
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Simple skin test may spot Parkinson's risk years early
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study is testing whether a skin biopsy can detect abnormal proteins linked to Parkinson's disease in people with essential tremor, a common movement disorder. Researchers will follow 300 participants aged 50-85 for two years to see who develops Parkinson's. The goal is to fi…
Sponsor: CND Life Sciences • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jul 03, 2026 23:00 UTC
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Massive study aims to unlock genetic secrets of movement disorders
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study aims to understand the link between genes and symptoms in people with inherited movement disorders. Researchers will study up to 2,500 participants, including patients and their family members, to identify new disease-causing genes and improve diagnosis. The goal is to…
Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:03 UTC
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Massive study aims to unlock secrets of movement disorders
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis natural history study is collecting information from up to 4,000 people with movement disorders (like Parkinson's disease or tremor) and their family members. Participants undergo exams, blood tests, and imaging, but receive no new treatments. The goal is to gather data that…
Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:02 UTC
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Scientists hunt for hidden genes behind movement disorders and dementia
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study aims to find the genetic causes of movement disorders and dementias by analyzing DNA from up to 12,000 participants, including patients and their family members. Researchers will collect blood or saliva samples and look for gene mutations linked to these conditions. Th…
Sponsor: National Institute on Aging (NIA) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:02 UTC
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Massive data collection launched for brain surgery patients
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study is gathering medical information and samples from up to 5,000 people with neurosurgical conditions like brain tumors, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease. Participants receive standard care while their data is collected for future research. No new treatments are being te…
Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
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5,000 patient records to reveal Real-World impact of brain stimulation
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study reviews the medical records of up to 5,000 people who have received deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, or dystonia. Researchers want to see how well DBS improves symptoms over time in real-world settings. No new treatments are given…
Sponsor: Boston Scientific Corporation • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:07 UTC
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Heat therapy for tremors: new study tracks Real-World results
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study is collecting information from 200 people with Parkinson's disease, dystonia, essential tremor, or other movement disorders who are scheduled to receive radiofrequency (RF) ablation—a procedure that uses heat to target small areas in the brain. The goal is to see how p…
Sponsor: Boston Scientific Corporation • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:06 UTC
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Scientists map brain changes during tremor treatment
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study looks at how deep brain stimulation (DBS) affects brain activity in people with essential tremor. Researchers will use EEG and MEG to record brain signals with the stimulator on and off, and also test other tremor-relief methods like cooling or medication. The goal is …
Sponsor: The Cleveland Clinic • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:31 UTC
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Brain implant study reveals how Parkinson's changes social cues
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study looks at how deep brain stimulation (DBS) changes attention and the way people with Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, or dystonia perceive emotions in others' faces. Researchers will track eye movements and ask participants to rate facial expressions before, durin…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Nebraska • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:29 UTC
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Brain scans reveal how sound waves calm tremors
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study looks at how a treatment called High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HiFU) changes brain activity in people with essential tremor (shaking hands). Ten adults over 50 who haven't been helped by standard medications will have their brain waves recorded before and after tre…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Florida • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:28 UTC
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Mind-Controlled devices: new study aims to help paralysis patients
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study explores whether a non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) can help people with motor disorders, such as spinal cord injury or stroke, control assistive devices using their thoughts. Researchers will record brain signals with EEG and use machine learning to interpr…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Texas at Austin • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:28 UTC
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Scientists peek inside the brain to see how speech works in Parkinson's and tremor patients
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study aims to learn more about how the brain controls speech in people with Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, or dystonia. Researchers will record brain activity during speech tasks while participants undergo deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. The study does not test…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:00 UTC
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New registry aims to unlock secrets of brain stimulation in kids
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study is creating a shared database of children who have received deep brain stimulation (DBS) for movement disorders like dystonia, epilepsy, or Tourette syndrome. By pooling data from multiple hospitals, researchers hope to answer key questions about who benefits most and …
Sponsor: Boston Children's Hospital • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:02 UTC
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Scientists peer into the brain to uncover secrets of movement disorders
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study looks at brain activity in people with Parkinson's disease or essential tremor who are already scheduled for deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. Researchers want to understand how the brain handles both movement problems and non-motor issues like memory loss or depre…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Alabama at Birmingham • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:02 UTC
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Scientists decode brain activity in Parkinson's and tremor patients
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study records brain activity from people with movement disorders like Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia. Researchers use scalp electrodes or existing deep brain stimulators to measure electrical signals. The goal is to find patterns linked to symptoms, whic…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:01 UTC
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Brain zap study reveals secrets of speech learning
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study looks at how two brain areas—the subthalamic nucleus and the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus—help us learn and produce speech. Researchers will temporarily turn deep brain stimulation (DBS) on or off in 80 people with Parkinson's disease or essential tremo…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Boston University Charles River Campus • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:00 UTC
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Shaking off stigma: brain procedure may ease social burden of hand tremors
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study looks at whether a brain treatment called focused ultrasound can reduce the social stigma that people with essential tremor often face. About 220 adults with essential tremor will have their tremor treated and then be followed for one year. Researchers want to see if l…
Sponsor: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:07 UTC
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Can sound waves tame the brain? new study explores ultrasound for Parkinson's and more
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study is testing whether low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFUS) can safely change brain activity in people with conditions like Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, epilepsy, or substance abuse. Researchers will use brain recordings and movement tests to see if the ultra…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:06 UTC
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Smart algorithms aim to take the guesswork out of brain stimulation for tremor
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study tests whether computer models can help doctors find the best settings for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in people with essential tremor. Researchers will create personalized brain models to predict which stimulation settings work best and cause fewer side effects. The g…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Minnesota • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:00 UTC
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New turkish tool to better assess muscle problems in kids
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study aims to translate the Hypertonia Assessment Tool (HAT) into Turkish and check if it works correctly. The HAT helps doctors identify different types of increased muscle tone in children with motor disorders. Researchers will test the tool on 70 children under 18 who hav…
Sponsor: Kastamonu University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:02 UTC
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Brain implants could unlock secrets of voice disorders
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study looks at how deep brain stimulation (DBS) — a treatment already used for movement disorders — affects voice and speech in people with laryngeal dystonia or voice tremor. Researchers will record brain signals during surgery and measure voice changes afterward. The goal …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:01 UTC
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Scientists probe brain during surgery to unlock Parkinson's hidden symptoms
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study records brain activity during deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery in 140 people with Parkinson's disease or essential tremor. Researchers aim to understand brain networks linked to non-motor symptoms like depression, attention problems, and slow thinking. Participants…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Alabama at Birmingham • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:01 UTC
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Scientists scan brains to unravel voice disorders
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study uses brain scans (fMRI, MEG, EEG) and a numbing throat spray to understand what goes wrong in the brains of people with laryngeal dystonia or voice tremor. Researchers will compare brain activity between these groups and healthy volunteers. The goal is to find unique b…
Phase: EARLY_PHASE1 • Sponsor: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:01 UTC
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Scientists zap brain during surgery to uncover movement secrets
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study looks at how deep brain stimulation (DBS) changes movement in people with conditions like Parkinson's disease or essential tremor. About 60 people scheduled for DBS surgery will have extra temporary electrodes placed on the brain to measure muscle activity during stimu…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Jorge Gonzalez-Martinez • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:57 UTC
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Virtual reality tested as a tool to study hand tremors
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis pilot study is testing whether virtual reality motor tasks can help understand functional tremor, a type of movement disorder. Researchers will measure reaction time and brain activity in 48 people with functional tremor, essential tremor, or healthy controls. The goal is to…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Medical University of Graz • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:52 UTC