Brain pacemaker tested for Musician's hand cramps

NCT ID NCT02911103

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026 · Updated 9 times

Summary

This study tests deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery for people with severe focal hand dystonia, including musician's dystonia, that hasn't improved with botulinum toxin. Five participants will have electrodes placed in brain areas that control movement, connected to a stimulator in the chest. The goal is to see if DBS is safe and can reduce abnormal hand movements over 5 years.

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) surgery
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new treatment option for people with severe focal hand dystonia that hasn't responded to other therapies.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early-phase trial with only 5 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Brain surgery carries risks like infection, bleeding, or side effects from stimulation.

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.

Dystonia dystonia, focal, task-specific dystonic disorder focal dystonia focal hand dystonia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DYSTONIA FOCAL DYSTONIA MUSICIAN'S DYSTONIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

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