Can brain stimulation restore a steady voice?
NCT ID NCT05506085
First seen Aug 14, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026
Summary
This trial investigates whether deep brain stimulation (DBS) can help people with a rare voice disorder called adductor laryngeal dystonia, which causes strained or broken speech. Participants will undergo DBS surgery as part of their care, and researchers will study brain signals, vocal cord movements, and voice recordings before and after the device is activated. The goal is to understand how faulty brain patterns contribute to the condition and to see if DBS improves voice function.
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 of the globus pallidus interna
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could refine DBS as a treatment for laryngeal dystonia, potentially improving voice and quality of life for those with this rare condition.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study (12 participants) focused on understanding mechanisms, not a proven treatment. DBS surgery carries risks like infection or bleeding, and results may not apply to all patients.
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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
-
Indiana University
RECRUITINGIndianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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