STN-DBS and Visuospatial Changes in Parkinson's Disease

This study is looking at how deep brain stimulation (DBS) in a specific brain area called the subthalamic nucleus (STN) affects attention and how you see and understand space (visuospatial function) in people with Parkinson's disease. Researchers want to see if changes in visuospatial function are connected to "freezing of gait" (FOG), a common problem where people feel stuck while walking. They will test how turning off either the left or right STN-DBS device impacts FOG and visuospatial abilities. The goal is to understand why FOG happens and potentially find better ways to treat it. You might be able to join if you are over 18, have FOG, and have had bilateral (both sides) STN-DBS surgery for Parkinson's disease. The study aims to enroll 12 participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study with 12 planned participants. It will involve testing the effects of turning off either the left or right STN-DBS device sequentially.
What's involved
Participants will undergo cognitive and freezing of gait assessments while each side of their STN-DBS is sequentially turned off. These assessments will be measured at 1 hour.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary outcomes are measured at 1 hour.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06994728

Correlation of STN-DBS Induced Visuospatial Changes and Freezing of Gait

Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalTreatment
Medical University of South Carolina
~12 participants
Updated 2026-08-24 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Left STN-DBS on, right STN-DBS off firstRight STN-DBS on, left STN-DBS off first

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Characterize the individual impact of lateralized STN DBS stimulation on freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease
Measured over 1 hour
+1 more outcome measured
Parkinson Disease
Gait Disorders, Neurologic
Visuospatial/Perceptual Abilities

NCT06994728

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Medical University of South Carolina

    Charleston, South Carolinastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

  • Nathan DeTurk, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Medical University of South Carolina

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Subjects above 18 years of age
Subjects with freezing of gait
Subjects with bilateral STN-DBS surgery as part of their clinical care for Parkinson's disease

Exclusion

Uncorrected visual or hearing impairments, as indicated by self-report
Individuals who are pregnant or expect to become pregnant during the course of the study
Individuals with dementia or relevant brain lesions impacting cognition or gait
  • Characterize the individual impact of lateralized STN DBS stimulation on freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease1 hour

    Investigators hypothesize that right STN stimulation will have a significant association with reduction in freezing of gait, as measured by timed up and go task, compared to left STN stimulation and no stimulation.

  • Determine if there is a correlation between the change in visuospatial function due to lateralized STN DBS stimulation and change in freezing of gait (FOG) in Parkinson's disease1 hour

    Investigators hypothesize that right STN stimulation induced improvement in attention will be associated with improvement in FOG.