Brain stimulation for Parkinson's freezing of gait
Part of Brain & nervous system clinical trials.
This study is testing if two brain-stimulation treatments—deep brain stimulation (DBS) or focused ultrasound—can help reduce freezing of gait (a common, frustrating symptom where your feet feel stuck when walking) in people with Parkinson's. Researchers will use brain scans and electrical recordings to understand how these treatments work.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease by a doctor using standard criteria.
- You are age 20 to 90.
- For the focused ultrasound group: your symptoms (like stiffness, slowness, or tremor) aren't well-controlled with medication, and you've been on stable Parkinson's meds for at least 30 days.
- For the DBS group: you've had Parkinson's for over 5 years, you get at least a 33% improvement from levodopa, and you have motor complications (like wearing off, on-off fluctuations, or involuntary movements).
- You do not have severe heart failure (Class III or higher) or advanced cancer that has spread.
- Your Parkinson's is not at the most advanced stage (Hoehn and Yahr Stage 5, meaning you're bedridden or need a wheelchair).
- For DBS: you do not have dementia (significant memory or thinking problems) or major depression.
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
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This study tests a new type of deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting a specific brain area to help people with Parkinson's disease who have severe freezing of gait that doesn't improve with medication. It aims to see if this treatment can reduce freezing episodes and improve walking.
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This trial is for people with Parkinson's disease who experience freezing of gait (feeling like your feet are stuck to the floor) and are already scheduled to have deep brain stimulation surgery. The study will use MRI brain scans to understand how the surgery helps improve walking.
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