Neuromodulation Therapy for Task-Specific Dystonia

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Isolated Focal Hand Dystonia

In brief

This study aims to apply a non-invasive brain stimulation technology called repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in patients with focal hand dystonia (FHD). The goal of the study is to identify which cortical target (premotor cortex (PMC) or primary somatosensory cortex (PSC)) will show benefit after active rTMS compared to sham rTMS. A secondary goal of the study is to understand if 10 Hz rTMS can show behavioral benefit compared to sham rTMS. The study will evaluate rTMS response using measures if writing on a sensor tablet, examiner and patient dystonia rating scales and brain imaging scan (functional MRI) to understand brain changes after rTMS. Safety measures include adherence to TMS guidelines and thorough medical screening to prevent seizures.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT06422104

Run by

Duke University

People needed

12

Starts

2018-08-23

Expected to finish

2023-01-13

Last updated by the study team

2026-04-13

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Healthy Control Participants:
• 18yrs and older
• Left or Right hand dominance
• Age-matched to Focal Hand dystonia patients
• Must be able to sign informed consent
• Must be literate
• Focal Hand dystonia Patients:
• 18yrs and older
• Left or Right hand dominance
• Diagnosed with Writer's Cramp dystonia in left or right hand
• Must be able to sign informed consent
• Must be literate

You may not qualify if…

• Healthy Control Participants (visits 2, 3, 4, and 5) and Focal Hand dystonia Patients (visits 2, 3, 4, and 5):
• Other neurological movement disorders diagnoses including other types of dystonia, Parkinsonism, or essential tremor
• Botulinum toxin injections within 3 months of research study
• Medications with effects on the central nervous system including anticholinergic, benzodiazepines, and muscle relaxants among others within 1 week of the study
• No physical or occupational therapy of the upper extremities
• Any contraindications to MRI (ie: metal in body or implanted medical devices, etc)
• Any contraindication on TMS adult safety screening (TASS form) including seizure history, pregnancy, brain injury, cranial metal implants, known structural brain lesion

Where it is running

• Duke University Health System — Durham, North Carolina, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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