New brain scan reveals how DBS rewires Parkinson's patients' brains

NCT ID NCT04922411

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study used a special brain imaging technique called HD-DOT to see how deep brain stimulation (DBS) changes brain network activity in 49 people with Parkinson's disease. Researchers compared scans with DBS turned on and off, while participants did motor and cognitive tests. The goal is to understand why DBS helps movement but can also cause mood or thinking side effects, which could lead to better DBS tuning and new treatment targets.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: deep brain stimulation (DBS) device
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help doctors fine-tune DBS settings more efficiently and identify new brain targets for less invasive treatments.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage observational study (49 participants) using a new imaging technique, so results may not apply broadly or lead directly to clinical changes.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Parkinson disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION PARKINSON DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Washington University School of Medicine

St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

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