Studying movement control in PD using closed loop DBS.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Studying movement control in Parkinson’s disease (PD) using closed loop deep brain stimulation (DBS).
IRAS ID
168287
Contact name
Peter Brown
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Oxford University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common, disabling, progressive condition characterised by severe problems with movement for which medical treatment in the longer term is unsatisfactory. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a treatment, which directly stimulates the nerves affected inside the brain to help overcome the difficulties with movement. Classically, DBS stimulates in a manner that is constant and independent of a patients underlying condition as reflected in their brainwave activity. Recent research has shown that adjusting DBS in real time using analyses of brain signals recorded from DBS electrodes (termed closed loop DBS) is better than classical DBS in alleviating difficulties with movement. However, it remains unclear whether closed-loop DBS also leads to fewer unwanted side effects on movement control.
In order to answer this question, we will analyze DBS activity and activity recorded from the surface of the head in PD patients undergoing DBS surgery. During the recordings patients will perform different movement tasks. The recordings will be conducted three times: During closed loop DBS, classical DBS and while the stimulator is turned off. This will allow us to assess putative differences in the effect of closed loop and classical DBS with regards to wanted and unwanted effects on movement control and to elucidate their correlates in the brain.
The study is funded by the Medical Research Council. It will be recruiting patients with Parkinson’s disease being considered for DBS over the next 2 years. The research will be carried out prior to their second operation (stimulator implantation) and will be carried out during a single inpatient stay.
REC name
South Central - Oxford A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/SC/0121
Date of REC Opinion
20 Apr 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion