Can targeted brain zaps ease movement problems in a rare ataxia?
NCT ID NCT07743866
First seen Aug 04, 2026 · Last updated Sep 02, 2026 · Updated 4 times
Summary
This trial tests a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called transcranial temporal interference stimulation (tTIS) in people with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, a genetic condition that affects coordination and balance. The stimulation targets a deep brain region involved in movement control, using personalized head models to guide electrode placement. The study aims to find the best stimulation dose that improves ataxia symptoms while minimizing risks like seizures or skin burns. Participants will receive tTIS over several days, and their symptoms will be measured using a standard ataxia rating scale.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Transcranial temporal interference stimulation (tTIS) - a non-invasive brain stimulation device
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could offer a non-invasive treatment to improve coordination and balance in people with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, potentially easing daily challenges.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage trial with a small number of participants, so results may not apply broadly. Risks include skin burns, seizures, severe headache, sleep disturbances, or brain changes.
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 24 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Aug 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- 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 to 75 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: 1. A physician-diagnosed SCA3 according to diagnostic criteria, with definite clinical symptoms and confirmed genetic testing; 2. Age 18-75 years; 3. Baseline total score of SARA: 8-30 points (inclusive); SARA gait function subscore: 2-6 points (inclusive); 4. Willing to participate and provide informed consent; 5. Have a reliable caregiver available; 6. No severe cognitive impairment that would preclude reliable reporting of adverse events or efficacy during treatment. Exclusion Criteria: 1. History of seizures or convulsions, or a seizure within 6 months prior to enrolment; 2. History of severe traumatic brain injury or intracranial neurosurgery; 3. Presence of cardiac pacemakers, cochlear implants, intracranial implanted electronic devices, or other MRI-contraindicated ferromagnetic implants; 4. Severe cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination \[MMSE\] score ≤ 9) or severe visual, auditory, or speech dysfunction preventing cooperation with scale assessments and study procedures; 5. Pregnant or lactating women, or women of childbearing age not using reliable contraception; 6. Previous neuromodulation treatment (e.g., rTMS or tDCS) within the past year; 7. Skin breakdown or inflammation at the electrode placement site, or known allergy to conductive gel or electrode patch adhesives; 8. Currently participating in other interventional clinical trials, or planning to participate in other trials that might affect the outcome assessment of this study during the study period.
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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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Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University
Fuzhou, Fujian, China
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