Accelerated TMS for Focal Hand Dystonia

Description

This study aims to investigate the impact of accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on brain function and behavior in patients with focal hand dystonia. Previous research demonstrated that individualized TMS improved dystonic behavior after one session. Building on this, the current study administers four TMS sessions in a day, with assessments conducted in four weeks, twelve weeks, and 20 weeks after each session. The research involves 8 in-person and 6 virtual visits focused on functional MRI brain scans and writing behavior analysis. The potential risk of seizures from TMS is mitigated through careful screening, adhering to safety guidelines. The study's main benefit is enhancing dystonic behavior and deepening the understanding of brain changes caused by TMS in focal hand dystonia, paving the way for further advancements in clinical therapy for this condition.

Conditions

Isolated Focal Hand Dystonia

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

This study aims to investigate the impact of accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on brain function and behavior in patients with focal hand dystonia. Previous research demonstrated that individualized TMS improved dystonic behavior after one session. Building on this, the current study administers four TMS sessions in a day, with assessments conducted in four weeks, twelve weeks, and 20 weeks after each session. The research involves 8 in-person and 6 virtual visits focused on functional MRI brain scans and writing behavior analysis. The potential risk of seizures from TMS is mitigated through careful screening, adhering to safety guidelines. The study's main benefit is enhancing dystonic behavior and deepening the understanding of brain changes caused by TMS in focal hand dystonia, paving the way for further advancements in clinical therapy for this condition.

Duke Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Focal Hand Dystonia

Accelerated TMS for Focal Hand Dystonia

Condition
Isolated Focal Hand Dystonia
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Durham

Duke University Health System, Durham, North Carolina, United States, 27705

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

  • * 18yrs and older
  • * Diagnosed with isolated focal hand by Neurologist
  • * Right-hand dominant
  • * Must be able to sign an informed consent
  • * Must be literate
  • * 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

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Duke University,

Noreen Bukhari-Parlakturk, MD PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Duke Health

Study Record Dates

2025-12-31