Closed-loop Brain Stimulation Using Cerebellar tACS to Reduce Hand Tremor in Parkinsons Disease Patients

What this Trial Is About

Parkinsons disease PD is a common neurodegenerative disorder marked by various motor symptoms, including challenging hand tremors. This research investigates a new, non-invasive brain stimulation method called phase-adaptive transcranial alternating current stimulation tACS that targets the cerebellum to reduce tremor by synchronizing stimulation with the patients hand tremor rhythm. The study aims to better understand tremor control within the brains cerebello-thalamo-cortical network and explore innovative treatment options for PD tremor. Participants will undergo two experimental sessions using a novel closed-loop device that delivers phase-locked cerebellar tACS at intensities ranging from 2 to 4 mA. The first session varies the phase alignment of stimulation to identify optimal settings, including sham and open-loop stimulation comparisons. In the second session, tACS is applied using the identified optimal phase alignment. Each stimulation period lasts 30 seconds, with electrodes placed on the cerebellum and jaw, including ramp-up and ramp-down phases for safety and comfort. During the study, researchers will record baseline and post-stimulation tremor levels to assess immediate effects. Measurements focus on changes in tremor amplitude and tremor entrainment during stimulation. The study includes randomized, double-blind assignments to different stimulation types, with careful monitoring and evaluation of tremor reduction in PD patients. Participants can expect assessments before, during, and after stimulation to track the impact of the intervention over the course of the study.

Cerebellar Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) to Modulate Parkinson's Disease Tremor