Actively Recruiting
Cerebellar Deep Brain Stimulation for the Treatment of Ataxia
Led by University Health Network, Toronto · Updated on 2026-02-23
12
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
669 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Abnormal gait is often associated with immobility and falls, which in turn lead to loss of functional independence and death. While gait disorders may arise from many different etiologies, dysfunction of the cerebellum (a part of the brain with the function of coordination of movement) leading to gait disorders results in distinct features. Gait ataxia is a specific type of neurological gait disorder and is defined as the presence of abnormal, uncoordinated movements associated with gait. To date, there are limited treatments for ataxia and/or gait disorders. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a neurosurgical tool that has been widely used for over twenty years, mainly to treat Parkinson's disease, dystonia, and essential tremor. In this study, we aim to implant DBS in patients with ataxia and/or gait disorder in the cerebellum area, and electrically stimulate them in a titratable and ultimately reversible manner. This study is divided into 3 phases: pre-operative, operative and post-operative phase. The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and to validate the DBS of cerebellar cortical and deep nuclei in patients with treatment refractory ataxia. Twelve(12 ) patients will be enrolled in this study.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Cerebellar Deep Brain Stimulation for the Treatment of Ataxia
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Female or male patients between age 20-70
- Diagnosis of primary ataxia, including congenital and hereditary subtypes without other neurological problems
- Head CT scan and brain MRI without any structural issues that would prevent safe DBS
- Ability to provide written informed consent
- Ability to comply with all testing, follow-ups, study visits, and protocols
You will not qualify if you...
- Active neurological diseases such as epilepsy or certain brain tumors
- Secondary ataxia caused by stroke, medication, autoimmune disease, ischemia, tumor, or other brain lesions
- Any contraindication to MRI scanning
- Planning to relocate or move during the one-year study period
- Presence of cardiac arrhythmias or other serious cardiac, respiratory, kidney, or endocrine conditions that increase surgical risk
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Toronto Western Hospital
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5T 2S8
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Altagracia Cantos
CONTACT
T
Tasnuva Hoque
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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