Accelerated TMS for Focal Hand Dystonia (NCT06015672)
Duke Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Focal Hand Dystonia
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
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.
Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (5 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (10 items).
Location: Duke University Health System — Durham, North Carolina
Age range: 18 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistCheck every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).
Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:
- Exclusion Criteria:
- Other neurological movement disorders diagnoses including other types of dystonia, Parkinsonism, or essential tremor
- History of seizure disorder
- Concomitant medications are known to decrease seizure threshold
- Illicit drug use
- No TMS therapy for another indication within one month of this research study
- Botulinum toxin injections within 3months of the 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
- Any contraindications to MRI or TMS
🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- Duke University Health System — Durham, North Carolina
💰 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.
Explore by condition: All Isolated Focal Hand Dystonia clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Review the official NIH record below to find the coordinating site.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.