🏛️ Verified NIH Record • Updated 2026-08-27

Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery for Movement Disorders (NCT01581580)

🟢 Recruiting Observational / Diagnostic ⚙️ Medical Device Protocol Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

Background: \- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an approved surgery for certain movement disorders, like Parkinson's disease, that do not respond well to other treatments. DBS uses a battery-powered device called a neurostimulator (like a pacemaker) that is placed under the skin in the chest. It is used to stimulate the areas of the brain that affect movement. Stimulating these areas helps to block the nerve signals that cause abnormal movements. Researchers also want to record the brain function of people with movement disorders during the surgery. Objectives: * To study how DBS surgery affects Parkinson s disease, dystonia, and tremor. * To obtain information on brain and nerve cell function during DBS surgery. Eligibility: \- People at least 18 years of age who have movement disorders, like Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia. Design: * Researchers will screen patients with physical and neurological exams to decide whether they can have the surgery. Patients will also have a medical history, blood tests, imaging studies, and other tests. Before the surgery, participants will practice movement and memory tests. * During surgery, the stimulator will be placed to provide the right amount of stimulation for the brain. Patients will perform the movement and memory tests that they practiced earlier. * After surgery, participants will recover in the hospital. They will have a followup visit within 4 weeks to turn on and adjust the stimulator. The stimulator has to be programmed and adjusted over weeks to months to find the best settings. * Participants will return for followup visits at 1, 2, and 3 months after surgery. Researchers will test their movement, memory, and general quality of life. Each visit will last about 2 hours.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: National Institutes of Health Clinical Center — Bethesda, Maryland

Age range: 18 Years to 99 Years

🧪 Interventions in This Study

📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗

📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)

  • National Institutes of Health Clinical Center — Bethesda, Maryland

📞 Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (301) 496-2921

Email: sharon.park@nih.gov

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

💡 How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
🏛️ View Official NIH Record ↗