Actively Recruiting
Deep Brain Stimulation for Spinocerebellar Ataxia
Led by University of California, San Francisco · Updated on 2026-03-18
5
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
260 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of California, San Francisco
Lead Sponsor
R
Raynor Cerebellum Project
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The goal of this clinical trial is to test the safety of placing Deep Brain Stimulators (DBS) in the cerebellum and using electrical stimulation of that part of the brain to treat symptoms related to the participants spinocerebellar ataxia. Five adults diagnosed with spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6) with inadequate cerebellar symptom relief will be implanted with a Medtronic Percept Primary Cell Neurostimulator. The device will be implanted into the dentate nucleus, which is a structure located within the cerebellum that is responsible for controlling movement and balance. Specifically, the investigators will be using adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS), which analyzes brain signals and automatically adjusts the strength, timing, and pattern of stimulation according to the patient's needs at any given moment. This study will evaluate the feasibility, safety, and tolerability of aDBS in SCA6 patients.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Deep Brain Stimulation for Spinocerebellar Ataxia
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Diagnosed with spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6) by a Movement Disorders specialist
- Positive genetic test confirming SCA6
- Total score of 8 or higher on the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA)
- Able to walk with or without support (score less than 8 on the 'gait' part of the SARA)
- Age between 21 and 89 years
- Able to give informed consent
- Able to understand the study procedures
You will not qualify if you...
- Unable or unwilling to follow the study protocol
- Previously implanted with neurostimulators, pacemakers, defibrillators, or metallic head implants
- Severe cognitive impairment or dementia (score less than 21 on Montreal Cognitive Assessment)
- Ataxia caused by other genetic or acquired disorders, toxic/metabolic causes, structural or vascular brain issues, or suspected multiple system atrophy-cerebellar type
- Active untreated psychiatric illness, severe depression, or personality disorder
- Coagulopathy, uncontrolled epilepsy, or other medical conditions increasing surgical risk
- Medical conditions interfering with study participation or gait/balance, such as severe arthritis
- Need for diathermy, electroconvulsive therapy, or transcranial magnetic stimulation
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Active suicidal thoughts
- Refractory epilepsy
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences
San Francisco, California, United States, 94158
Actively Recruiting
2
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, California, United States, 94158
Not Yet Recruiting
Research Team
M
Marta San Luciano Palenzuela, MD, PhD
CONTACT
K
Karson J Franjieh, BS
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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