Brain zaps aim to ease Writer's cramp
NCT ID NCT06015672
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can improve hand function and brain activity in people with focal hand dystonia, a condition causing involuntary muscle contractions during tasks like writing. Twenty-one adults will receive four TMS sessions in one day, repeated after five months, with follow-ups over 20 weeks. The goal is to see if this non-invasive brain stimulation can ease symptoms and guide future treatments.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a non-invasive treatment to ease hand dystonia symptoms and improve writing ability.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-phase study with only 21 people. Results may not apply to everyone, and benefits may be temporary or absent.
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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21 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Dec 2023
- Expected to finish
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Feb 2027
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 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.
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: * 18yrs and older * Diagnosed with isolated focal hand by Neurologist * Right-hand dominant * Must be able to sign an informed consent * Must be literate Exclusion Criteria: * Other neurological movement disorders diagnoses including other types of dystonia, Parkinsonism, or essential tremor * History of seizure disorder * Concomitant medications are known to decrease seizure threshold * Illicit drug use * No TMS therapy for another indication within one month of this research study * Botulinum toxin injections within 3months of the research study * Medications used for symptom treatment of dystonia including anticholinergic, benzodiazepines, and muscle relaxants among others within one month of the study * No physical or occupational therapy of the hand within one month of the study * Any contraindications to MRI or TMS
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Duke University Health System
Durham, North Carolina, 27705, United States
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