Brain zaps aim to help Parkinson's patients walk steadier

NCT ID NCT02931097

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether deep brain stimulation of a specific brain region could improve walking and balance in people with advanced Parkinson's disease. Six participants received both real and sham stimulation in a blinded crossover design. The goal was to see if this approach could help with symptoms that don't respond to standard medication.

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
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a treatment for gait and balance problems in advanced Parkinson's disease that don't respond to standard medication.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early study with only 6 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The treatment involves brain surgery, which carries risks like infection or bleeding.

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 PARKINSON'S DISEASE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

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.

PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Centre d'Investigation Clinique-Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epiniere

Paris, 75013, France

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.