Spinal zap may unlock frozen steps in Parkinson's

NCT ID NCT03526991

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Nora Vanegas Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This small study tested whether a spinal cord stimulator (a device that sends mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord) could reduce freezing of gait in people with Parkinson's disease. Ten participants who did not get relief from standard treatments received the implant. Researchers tracked safety and changes in freezing episodes to see if the approach is worth studying further.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Spinal cord stimulator (implanted device that sends electrical pulses to the spinal cord)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new option for Parkinson's patients whose freezing of gait does not improve with medication or other surgeries.
What could go wrong: This was a very small, early study with only 10 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The device requires surgery and carries risks like infection or lead movement.

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.

Parkinson disease

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PARKINSON DISEASE

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Baylor College of Medicine

Houston, Texas, 77005, United States
Columbia University

New York, New York, 10032, United States

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