RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

EEG Measurements to Capture DBS-induced Electric Potentials

This study aims to understand how Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) creates electrical changes in your brain. Researchers will use a high-tech recording method called EEG (electroencephalography), which measures electrical activity on your scalp. By precisely measuring these electrical signals, scientists hope to improve the computer models they use to predict how DBS works. This could lead to more effective and personalised DBS treatments for conditions like Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia. The study involves looking at existing DBS patients to gather this important information.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf

Enrolment target

Start

11 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Deep Brain Stimulation Parkinson's Disease

What is this study about?

This research study is about understanding how Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) works inside your brain. Think of DBS as a tiny pacemaker for the brain; it sends small electrical pulses to specific areas to help control symptoms of conditions like Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, or dystonia. What we don't fully understand yet is exactly how these electrical pulses spread through the brain and affect its activity.

To figure this out, scientists will use a special recording technique called an EEG (electroencephalography). This is a safe and common test where sensors are placed on your scalp to pick up the electrical signals your brain produces. In this study, they'll use a very advanced EEG that can record these signals incredibly quickly and in great detail. By measuring these signals while DBS is active, researchers hope to see how the stimulation changes the brain's natural electrical patterns.

The main goal is to improve the computer models that doctors use to plan DBS treatments. If they can make these models more accurate by comparing them to real-life brain recordings from the EEG, it could help doctors fine-tune DBS devices even more effectively. This could mean better control of symptoms and an improved quality of life for people living with these conditions.

Key takeaways

This study aims to improve Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) treatments.
It uses a safe, non-invasive EEG to measure brain electrical activity.
The research helps scientists understand how DBS affects the brain.
This could lead to more accurate computer models for DBS planning.
You must already have DBS for Parkinson's, essential tremor, or dystonia.
Taking part means having a special brain recording called an EEG.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be aged between 35 and 85 years old. The study is open to both men and women. You must have already had Deep Brain Stimulation surgery for at least three months.

This study is for people who have Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, or dystonia and are already being treated with DBS. All participants must be able to understand the study and provide their written agreement to take part.

There are no reasons listed why someone might not be able to join this study, other than not meeting the above requirements.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 35 and 85 years old?
Have you already had Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery?
Was your DBS surgery more than 3 months ago?
Do you have Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, or dystonia?
Are you able to provide written consent to participate?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will have a special recording taken of your brain activity using an EEG. This involves placing small sensors on your scalp, which will measure the electrical signals in your brain while your DBS device is active. The researchers will use a very advanced EEG system for these measurements. The study is a one-time visit, and you will not be asked to take any new medication or have any further follow-up appointments directly related to this research. The total duration of your participation would involve this single EEG recording session.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is that you would be contributing valuable information that could lead to better and more effective Deep Brain Stimulation treatments for people in the future. There are no known direct medical benefits to you personally from taking part. The risks associated with an EEG recording are very low; it is a non-invasive and safe procedure. You might experience some minor skin irritation where the sensors are placed, but this is usually temporary. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time and for any reason, without it affecting your ongoing medical care.

Locations (1)

University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
Verified postcode
Hamburg, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an EEG?

An EEG (electroencephalography) is a safe and common test that measures the electrical activity of your brain using small sensors placed on your scalp. It doesn't hurt and doesn't get inside your head.

What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?

DBS is a treatment where a small device, like a brain pacemaker, sends electrical signals to specific areas of your brain to help control symptoms of conditions like Parkinson's disease.

Will I have to take any new medicine?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medications. It only involves an EEG recording.

How long will the study take?

The study involves a single visit for the EEG recording. The exact length of this visit isn't specified but it's not an ongoing commitment.

Will this study change my DBS settings?

No, this study is only for measuring and observing your brain activity with your current DBS settings; it will not involve changing your treatment plan.

How to find out more

Bettina C. Schwab, PhD

b.schwab@uke.de +49 40 7410 26907 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.