Effects of Excitatory and Inhibitory LIFUS of GPi in Parkinsonian Patients Without DBS
Key facts
- Where
- Toronto, CanadaSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 90 years old?
Source: NCT07846007, who can take part
Where in Canada
- Toronto Western HospitalToronto, CanadaTaking people
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 Health Network, Toronto
- Trial code
- NCT07846007
- Record updated
- 29 September 2026
- Original description
Low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFUS) is a novel non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) technique that permits stimulation with high spatial focality and can reach greater depth compared other methods. This study will look at the effects of two different LIFUS stimulations on task performance in patients with Parkinson's disease. The effects of real stimulation will also be compared to sham stimulation. The evaluations will include behavioral tasks on the computer, the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor scoring, and finger accelerometry recordings. These will be done before the LIFUS simulations and repeated after. This is to evaluate the different mechanisms and efficacy of these stimulations on deep brain areas.Read full original descriptionShow less
Low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFUS) is a novel non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) technique that permits stimulation with high spatial focality and can reach greater depth compared other methods. This study will look at the effects of two different LIFUS stimulations on task performance in patients with Parkinson's disease. The effects of real stimulation will also be compared to sham stimulation. The evaluations will include behavioral tasks on the computer, the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor scoring, and finger accelerometry recordings. These will be done before the LIFUS simulations and repeated after. This is to evaluate the different mechanisms and efficacy of these stimulations on deep brain areas.
Inclusion: 18-90 years of age; Confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson's disease; Stable dopaminergic medication dose for a minimum of 4 weeks.
Exclusion: Has intracranial implant(s) or device(s); Has a previous surgical intervention to treat the movement disorder such as lesioning or a Deep Brain Stimulation system in place; Is on antipsychotics, anti-depressants, marijuana, or other recreational drugs that affect the nervous system; History of stroke or seizure; Comorbid dementia; Has an implanted cardiac pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD); Major depression/psychiatric disorder that in the opinion of the Investigator will affect patient's understanding of study procedures and willingness to abide by all procedures during the course of the study; Major musculoskeletal or neuromuscular disease or disorder of the hands, wrists and limbs; Major systemic illness or infection; Scored below 22 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA); Presence of metal implanted in body that is contraindicated in TMS/MRI/peripheral electrical stimulation; Pregnancy; Severe Dyskinesia.