Actively Recruiting
Deep Brain Stimulation Motor Ventral Thalamus (VOP/VIM) for Restoration of Speech and Upper-limb Function in People With Subcortical Stroke
Led by Jorge Gonzalez-Martinez · Updated on 2026-05-08
10
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
232 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The goal of this study is to verify whether the use of deep brain stimulation can improve motor function of the hand and arm and speech abilities for people following a stroke. Participants will undergo a surgical procedure to implant deep brain stimulation electrode leads. The electrodes will be connected to external stimulators and a series of experiments will be performed to identify the types of movements that the hand and arm can make and how speech abilities are affected by the stimulation. The implant will be removed after less than 30 days. Results of this study will provide the foundation for future studies evaluating the efficacy of a minimally-invasive neuro-technology that can be used in clinical neuro-rehabilitation programs to restore speech and upper limb motor functions in people with subcortical strokes, thereby increasing independence and quality of life.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Deep Brain Stimulation Motor Ventral Thalamus (VOP/VIM) for Restoration of Speech and Upper-limb Function in People With Subcortical Stroke
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Participants must have had a single ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke more than 6 months before enrollment with resulting speech difficulties (dysarthria).
- Participants must be between 18 and 75 years old.
- Participants must speak English.
- Participants must score 80% or less in at least 4 categories of speech assessment or 80% or less in 3 categories plus 27 or less on the Communicative Participation Item Bank.
You will not qualify if you...
- Patients who refuse to participate.
- Patients with major brain anatomical abnormalities or strokes involving thalamic and cerebellar areas.
- Patients not suitable for DBS surgery or highly dependent on anticoagulation therapy.
- Patients unable to undergo pre-operative MRI or assessments.
- Patients with serious diseases or cognitive impairments affecting participation.
- Female participants of child-bearing age who are pregnant, planning pregnancy within 9 months, or breastfeeding.
- Patients currently taking anticoagulants.
- Patients with severe claustrophobia.
- Patients currently on anti-spasticity or anti-epileptic medications.
- Patients deemed unsuitable based on psychological evaluation.
- Patients unable to provide informed consent.
- Patients with MRI contraindications such as metal implants, pacemakers, cochlear implants, aneurysm clips, certain IUDs, or claustrophobia.
- Patients taking medications with cognitive side effects.
- Patients with bleeding disorders or platelet dysfunction.
- Patients with lesions causing flaccid dysarthria due to lower motoneuron damage.
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15213
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Cierra Clark, MS
CONTACT
E
Elvira Pirondini, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
1
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