A Randomized, Sham-controlled Study of Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Its Effects on the Neurophysiological Properties of the Sensorimotor Network and Motor Symptom Severity in Patients With Isolated Cervical Dystonia (CD)

Status: Recruiting
Location: See location...
Intervention Type: Device
Study Type: Interventional
Study Phase: Not Applicable
SUMMARY

Cervical dystonia (CD) is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions of the neck, leading to abnormal head postures and movement, pain and impaired motor function. Current treatments for CD, such as botulinum toxin injections and physical therapy, may not always provide sufficient relief of symptoms and may fail to offer long-term benefits for patients. As a result, new therapeutic approaches are needed. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that modulates neuronal activity. Recent neurophysiological studies suggest that cerebellar tDCS (ctDCS), in particular, could be beneficial in modulating the activity of the sensorimotor network in CD. This clinical trial aims to investigate the effects of ctDCS on the excitability of the sensorimotor network and motor symptom severity in CD patients. Applying transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) we will evaluate the effects of anodal, cathodal and sham ctDCS to improve the understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying CD and the potential therapeutic role of ctDCS.

Eligibility
Participation Requirements
Sex: All
Minimum Age: 18
Healthy Volunteers: f
View:

• Clinical diagnosis of isolated cervical dystonia

• Written informed consent by the patient

Locations
Other Locations
Germany
Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
RECRUITING
Hamburg
Contact Information
Primary
Simone Zittel, Dr. med.
s.zittel-dirks@uke.de
+49 40 7410 53770
Time Frame
Start Date: 2024-09-15
Estimated Completion Date: 2025-12-30
Participants
Target number of participants: 20
Treatments
Active_comparator: Anodal ctDCS
Patients receive anodal ctDCS stimulation for 20 minutes with 2 mA
Active_comparator: Cathodal ctDCS
Patients receive cathodal ctDCS stimulation for 20 minutes with 2 mA
Sham_comparator: Sham stimulation
Patients receive ctDCS stimulation for 20 minutes with 0 mA
Sponsors
Leads: Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf

This content was sourced from clinicaltrials.gov