Accelerated TMS for Focal Hand Dystonia
Key facts
- Who runs it
- Duke University
- Where
- Durham, United StatesSee the site
- Trial code
- Status
- Active, not recruiting
- People taking part
- 21 people enrolled
- Started
- 21 Dec 2023
- Expected to end
- 5 Feb 2027
- Type of study
- Interventional, 2 groupsOne group gets an existing treatment, for comparison.
- Treatments tested
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
- Record updated
- 26 October 2026
Who can take part
- Age
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- Women and men
- Healthy volunteers
- Cannot take part
The registry criteria, word for word
Show all 14 criteriaShow less
Who can take part
- 18yrs and older
- Diagnosed with isolated focal hand by Neurologist
- Right-hand dominant
- Must be able to sign an informed consent
- Must be literate
Who cannot take part
- Concomitant medications are known to decrease seizure threshold
- Illicit drug use
- No TMS therapy for another indication within one month of this 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
- Other neurological movement disorders diagnoses including other types of dystonia, Parkinsonism, or essential tremor
- History of seizure disorder
- Botulinum toxin injections within 3months of the research study
- Any contraindications to MRI or TMS
Where in United States
- Duke University Health SystemDurham, United StatesNo longer taking part
About the trial
What the trial wants to find out
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.
The 2 groups in the trial
- TMS to primary somatosensory cortexExisting treatment, for comparison
Participants received TMS sessions at primary somatosensory cortex
Treatment: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
- TMS at low amplitude to primary somatosensory cortexSham treatment, for comparison
Participants receive TMS at a cortical target at smaller amplitude
Treatment: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Data and sources
- Registry record
- Listed on ClinicalTrials.gov.
- Official title
- Duke Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Focal Hand Dystonia
- Record updated
- 26 October 2026