New brain stimulation approach aims to quiet tremors with less power
NCT ID NCT05897775
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests a new way to deliver deep brain stimulation (DBS) for essential tremor, called coordinated reset DBS. Instead of constant high-frequency pulses, it uses lower-current patterns that may work better and have fewer downsides. About 23 adults with essential tremor who already have a DBS implant will try both the new and standard stimulation for one week each, and researchers will compare how well each controls tremor and affects daily activities.
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 offer a more effective and less intense way to control essential tremor, potentially reducing side effects from traditional DBS.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-phase study with only 23 participants and short-term follow-up. The new stimulation pattern may not work better than standard DBS, and individual results may vary.
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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Phase 1
The first testing in people. Mainly checks safety and dose, usually in a small group.
- Participants
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About 23 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Sep 2023
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2028
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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21 years and older
- 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.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of essential tremor (ET) * Age of 21 or over * Will be or has been implanted with Boston Scientific Vercise Rechargeable Genus deep brain stimulation (DBS) system * 7 Tesla (7T) MRI pre-operative scan under Noam Harel PhD's Center for Magnetic Research (University of Minnesota IRB #1210M22183) protocol "Imaging of DBS targets at 7T MRI" * Planned post-operative CT scan Exclusion Criteria: * History of musculoskeletal disorders that affect movement of the limbs or gait * Other significant neurological disorder * History of dementia or cognitive impairment that precludes them from getting DBS surgery * Significant psychiatric disease * On medication that could cause tremor * Prior brain surgery * Pregnant women * Evidence of non-ET central nervous system disease or injury for at least three (3) months prior to implantation * Any suspicion of Parkinsonian tremor, including presence of Parkinsonian features such as bradykinesia, rigidity, or postural instability * Other significant medical disorder that could impede study participation
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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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University of Minnesota
RECRUITINGMinneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States
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- Mapping the Brain's electrical signals to improve surgical precision