Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Tremor in Essential Tremor and Parkinson's Disease

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating phase-locked transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as a non-invasive treatment for tremor in people with Essential Tremor (ET) and Parkinson's Disease (PD). Tremor significantly affects physical ability and social participation, and current treatments like medications and deep brain stimulation have limitations including side effects and invasiveness. This study aims to reduce tremor by timing TMS pulses to specific phases of the tremor cycle, potentially improving tremor control in these conditions. The study includes two parts. In the first, participants with ET or PD undergo two visits where tremor is measured using sensors and TMS pulses are delivered over the motor cortex synchronized to tremor phases. The second part involves three additional randomized sessions testing stimulation at the most effective tremor-suppressing phase, a less effective phase, and sham stimulation. Each session lasts under two hours and uses devices to record tremor and apply TMS pulses at various timed intervals. Participants take part in multiple visits involving tremor recordings via inertial measurement units and electromyography, TMS delivery, and questionnaires assessing quality of life and tremor severity. Safety is monitored throughout, with participants able to withdraw at any time. The main outcome measured is the change in tremor amplitude during stimulation. Data is securely stored and analyzed to determine whether phase-locked TMS can reduce tremor in ET and PD patients.

Closed-loop TMS for Tremor