Brain pacemaker surgery tested for Parkinson's and tremor

NCT ID NCT01581580

Recruiting now 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 6 times

Summary

This study is testing deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery for people with Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, or dystonia that doesn't improve enough with medication. DBS uses a device like a pacemaker to send electrical pulses to specific brain areas that control movement. Researchers will track changes in movement, memory, and quality of life over several months after surgery.

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 and surgical procedure
What this could lead to: If successful, this could confirm DBS as a reliable way to control severe movement symptoms and improve daily function for people with Parkinson's, tremor, or dystonia.
What could go wrong: This is an ongoing study with no phase designation, so results are not yet confirmed. DBS surgery carries risks like infection, bleeding, or device malfunction, and benefits vary by person.

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 DYSTONIA are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Dystonia dystonic disorder essential tremor movement disorder Parkinson disease

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DYSTONIA ESSENTIAL TREMOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
RECRUITING

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

More trials for these conditions

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