3-D brain mapping could sharpen ultrasound treatment for hand tremors
NCT ID NCT06331052
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This 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 procedure. Researchers will track side effects and tremor improvement over three months to see if this advanced imaging helps target the right brain area more precisely.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- MR-guided focused ultrasound ablation
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could offer a more precise, non-invasive treatment option for essential tremor, potentially reducing side effects and improving tremor control.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early feasibility study with only 24 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The procedure carries risks like temporary balance or speech issues, and long-term benefits are not yet known.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ESSENTIAL TREMOR are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
RECRUITINGChapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can MRI reveal the Brain's response to deep brain stimulation?
- Can home brain recordings Fine-Tune deep brain stimulation for tremor?
- Brain surgery meets brain science: probing how a memory-related chemical system influences cognition
- Can deep brain stimulation rewire faulty movement circuits? a surgery-time study aims to find out.
- Zapping away tremors: scientists probe how electrical stimulation calms shaky hands
- Could gentle electrical pulses steady shaky hands?