Brain pacemaker trial aims to tame Parkinson's symptoms

NCT ID NCT02119611

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

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 07, 2026 · Updated 6 times

Summary

This study follows 300 adults with Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, or dystonia who receive deep brain stimulation (DBS). DBS uses a device implanted in the chest to send electrical pulses to brain areas controlling movement. Researchers will track symptom severity, medication needs, and quality of life for up to two years after surgery to see how well DBS manages these conditions.

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 device
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that DBS effectively reduces motor symptoms and improves daily function for people with Parkinson's disease and similar movement disorders.
What could go wrong: This is an observational management study, not a test of a new cure. Results depend on standard surgery and programming, and benefits may vary. Risks include surgical complications and device side effects.

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.

cervical dystonia essential tremor hemidystonia idiopathic torsion dystonia movement disorder Parkinson disease Tourette syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
RECRUITING

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

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