Deep Brain Stimulation for Laryngeal Dystonia and Voice Tremor
This study is looking at how Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) affects voice problems like laryngeal dystonia (a voice disorder causing spasms in the vocal cords) and voice tremor in people who are already getting DBS for other movement disorders. Researchers want to understand how voice function is controlled in the brain and how DBS might improve it. They will be studying brain signals during DBS surgery and tracking changes in your voice and overall symptoms for up to 5 years. You might be able to join if you are between 18 and 80 years old, have a clear diagnosis of essential tremor or dystonia, and your doctor has decided DBS is a good treatment option for you.
- Study design
- This interventional study plans to enroll 120 participants. The study type is not specified (e.g., randomized or single-arm).
- What's involved
- You would undergo clinically indicated Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) treatment, which includes simultaneous research electrocorticography (ECoG) during surgery. Your voice and speech performance, along with clinical outcomes for dystonia or tremor, will be measured for up to 5 years.
- Compensation
- Not stated in the trial record.
- Follow-up
- Your voice and speech performance, and clinical outcomes for dystonia or tremor, will be measured for up to 5 years after the intervention.
AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.
Deep Brain Stimulation in Laryngeal Dystonia and Voice Tremor
At a glance
Conditions
Where it's being run
1 sites across 1 statesStudy leadership
- Kristina Simonyan, MD, PhD · STUDY_DIRECTOR · Massachusetts Eye and Ear
Who to contact
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What this trial measures
- Correlations between brain signals and intraoperative voice and speech production performance.5 years
Analysis of intraoperative recordings from deep basal ganglia structures and cortical regions relevant to voice and speech control.
- Changes in standard clinical outcome for dystonia patients5 years
Quantitative measures of voice and motor changes following deep brain stimulation surgery using standard clinical criterion of Burk-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale where higher score means a worse outcome.
- Changes in standard clinical outcome for tremor patients5 years
Quantitative measures of voice and motor changes following deep brain stimulation surgery using standard clinical criterion of Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale where higher score means a worse outcome.