RECRUITING

Stimulating Specific Brain Areas (VOP/VIM) With Electricity to Improve Movement and Muscle Control

Description

In this study the investigators aim to enroll patients scheduled to undergo deep brain stimulation (DBS) implantation for movement disorders for intra-operative testing. In addition to standard-of-care surgical procedure to implant deep brain stimulation electrode leads, participants will also be stimulated and recorded from cortical areas by a temporary strip electrode (1X6) in the subdural space. The electrodes will be connected to external stimulators and a series of experiments will be performed to assess effects of the DBS on movement quality and electrophysiology measures. Results of this study will elucidate the biological mechanisms related to deep brain stimulation in modulating motor and speech function in patients with abnormal movement disorders.

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

In this study the investigators aim to enroll patients scheduled to undergo deep brain stimulation (DBS) implantation for movement disorders for intra-operative testing. In addition to standard-of-care surgical procedure to implant deep brain stimulation electrode leads, participants will also be stimulated and recorded from cortical areas by a temporary strip electrode (1X6) in the subdural space. The electrodes will be connected to external stimulators and a series of experiments will be performed to assess effects of the DBS on movement quality and electrophysiology measures. Results of this study will elucidate the biological mechanisms related to deep brain stimulation in modulating motor and speech function in patients with abnormal movement disorders.

VOP/VIM Direct Electrical Stimulation Increases Motor Cortex Excitability and Motor Output

Stimulating Specific Brain Areas (VOP/VIM) With Electricity to Improve Movement and Muscle Control

Condition
Movement Disorders (Incl Parkinsonism)
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Pittsburgh

University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15213

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Essential tremor patients who are scheduled to undergo deep brain stimulation surgery at UPMC Presbyterian with asymmetric essential tremor symptoms will be included, with the tested limb corresponding to the least affected arm to better approximate normal function. These patients are implanted bilaterally regardless of symptom laterality, as the natural history of essential tremor indicates eventual bilateral symptoms.
  • * Parkinson's Disease patients who are scheduled to undergo deep brain stimulation surgery at UPMC Presbyterian with a history of Parkinson's Disease will also be recruited for intra-operative stimulation of their STN-targeted implants, to assess if VIM/VOP has high specificity for improving motor output.
  • * Patients will be excluded from the study if there is any seizure history, to avoid the increased epileptogenic risk of intraoperative stimulation.
  • * Patients with significant bilateral tremor that precludes completion of motor tasks.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 75 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

University of Pittsburgh,

Jorge Gonzalez-Martinez, MD, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Pittsburgh

Study Record Dates

2030-12-31