Sound waves aimed at the brain could ease twisted neck
NCT ID NCT07690514
First seen Jul 08, 2026 · Last updated Jul 09, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFUS) can reduce symptoms of cervical dystonia, a condition causing painful neck muscle spasms. Researchers will compare two brain targets (globus pallidus and dentate nucleus) against a sham procedure in 48 adults. Participants attend seven visits over about two weeks, with assessments including symptom scales and brain scans.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFUS) to the globus pallidus or dentate nucleus
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a non-invasive, drug-free option to reduce neck twisting and pain in cervical dystonia.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early, small study (48 people) testing a new approach. It may not work better than placebo, and effects may be temporary.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 48 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Nov 2024
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 90 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 - 90 years of age * Confirmed diagnosis cervical dystonia * 3 months since last botulinum toxin injection * Stable medications in the past month Exclusion Criteria: * Has neurological disorder other than dystonia (such as compressive neuropathy, limb trauma, epilepsy) * Cognitive deficits leading to inability to understand study purposes and risks as well as the consent information without legal trustee * Presence of metal implanted in body that is contraindicated in MRI * Pregnancy * Has a previous surgical intervention to treat CD such as lesioning or a DBS system in place * Major systemic illness or infection
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Toronto Western Hospital
RECRUITINGToronto, Ontario, M5T 2S8, Canada
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