Brain pacemaker tested for Musician's hand cramps

NCT ID NCT02911103

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 2 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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

    Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States