Can a gentle brain zap help people with ataxia walk better?

NCT ID NCT07250321

Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Cagliari Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can improve movement in people with degenerative ataxia, a rare condition that damages the cerebellum and impairs balance and coordination. Sixteen participants will receive either real or sham stimulation, and researchers will measure changes using clinical scales and precise motion analysis. The goal is to see if tDCS can offer a safe, drug-free way to ease symptoms.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a non-invasive way to ease movement problems in people with degenerative ataxia, improving balance and coordination.
What could go wrong: This is a very small early-stage trial (16 people) with mixed prior results. The effect may be small or not last, and not everyone may benefit.

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

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

16 people

The number who actually took part.

Started

Oct 2023

Expected to finish

Dec 2025

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

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

18 to 80 years

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

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

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * clinical, radiological and/or genetic diagnosis of cerebellar ataxia Exclusion Criteria: * presence of electrical stimulators (i.e., pacemaker), pregnancy, visual disfunction, cognitive decline, mild to moderate ataxic symptoms

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Ataxia autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia cerebellar ataxia hereditary ataxia spinocerebellar ataxia 9 Spinocerebellar Ataxias Spinocerebellar Degenerations

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Ataxia - genetic diagnosis - unknown Ataxia, cerebellar Ataxia, spinocerebellar Ataxias, hereditary

Can a gentle brain zap help people with ataxia walk better?

What the study statuses mean