Tests focused ultrasound to calm abnormal brainwaves in Parkinson's disease
Tests ultrasound through the skull to disrupt abnormal brainwaves in adults with Parkinson's.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: TUS to Disrupt Pathological Oscillations
Key facts
- Where
- Oxford, United KingdomSee the site
Where in United Kingdom
- University of OxfordOxford, United KingdomNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Oxford
- Trial code
- NCT06932185
- Record updated
- 17 April 2025
- Original description
Scientists and clinicians are interested in measuring and perturbing the signals in the brain - both to better understand normal operation and explore new therapy options for disease. One example of a signal is a "brainwave," also called a neural oscillation, which is a periodic oscillation of the electrical signals in the brain and which are linked to both normal and abnormal brain function.Read full original descriptionShow less
Transcranial Ultrasound to Disrupt Pathological Oscillations in the Brain of People With Parkinson's Disease and Other Neurological Disorders
Scientists and clinicians are interested in measuring and perturbing the signals in the brain - both to better understand normal operation and explore new therapy options for disease. One example of a signal is a "brainwave," also called a neural oscillation, which is a periodic oscillation of the electrical signals in the brain and which are linked to both normal and abnormal brain function.
When circuits in the brain are not working properly, investigators can see changes in the characteristics of these oscillations. Many neurological conditions produce changes in brainwaves. For example, in patients with Parkinson's disease, oscillations in the "beta band" (approximately 15Hz) are observed to be more prominent. In another example, investigators see similar large oscillations in the presence of a seizure in people with epilepsy. Disrupting these abnormal oscillations can treat some of the symptoms of disease. One example of this is found in Parkinson's disease, where surgeons can implant electrodes deep in the brain and electrically stimulate cells by a process called deep brain stimulation (DBS). With DBS, it is possible to suppress these beta oscillations and improve symptoms. However, DBS is a highly invasive procedure that includes the need for a burr hole in the skull, placement of the electrode in the brain, and insertion of a "pacemaker" in the chest with wires tunnelled through the neck. The investigators propose to use ultrasound to modify pathological brainwaves non-invasively.
While the proof-of-concept is in Parkinson's disease, the potential impact is much broader - if successful, the investigators will provide a non-invasive paradigm for probing the brain and exploring novel treatments for neurological conditions, such as pain and cognitive disorders.
Inclusion: Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study; Male or Female, aged 18 years or above; Implanted Medtronic Percept or equivalent DBS system (one that can measure LFPs) or externalised depth electrodes as part of routine care; Participant willing and able to tolerate transcranial ultrasound stimulation; Stable therapy with no drug changes in past 6 weeks; Measurable beta peak on screening.
Exclusion: Co-morbid neurological disorder that may confound results, e.g. second motor impairment; Patients with extreme language barrier that cannot understand the purpose or instructions of the study despite the use of an interpreter; Patients with implanted electrodes without telemetric capacity; Fever at time of study visit (>38 degrees Celsius).