Testing of an Interface for Synchronizing tACS-DBS With a Phase-locked-loop (NCT07139093) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Testing of an Interface for Synchronizing tACS-DBS With a Phase-locked-loop
Germany2 participantsStarted 2025-09-30
Plain-language summary
The investigators aim to test an interface to phase-lock transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS) for future studies investigating the effects of different time-lags between DBS and tACS on the behavioural and neural level. To test if the interface works in patients with DBS, the investigators record EEG during synchronized tACS-DBS in several patients. The investigators hypothesize that they can apply tACS at the desired phase-lags relative to DBS pulses and confirm this with EEG measurements of the DBS and tACS artifact.
Who can participate
Age range
35 Years – 85 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Provision of written informed consent by the patient
* Age 35 - 85
* patient groups: Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia
* \>3 months after surgery for DBS
Exclusion Criteria:
* Epilepsy or history of seizures
* Existence of heart pacemaker or other metal implants in the body (except DBS)
* Pregnancy
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial seems to be testing a technical interface that synchronizes two types of brain stimulation — tACS and DBS — rather than testing a new treatment directly, so can you help me understand whether this study is about improving how my existing DBS works, or is it more of an early engineering feasibility study?
2Since this trial is listed as Phase NA, which often means it's an early-stage device or technical test rather than a standard treatment trial, what does that mean for how much is already known about the safety of combining transcranial alternating current stimulation with my deep brain stimulation system?
3The main thing this trial is measuring is how precisely the two stimulation systems can be synchronized — not symptom improvement — so should I expect any direct benefit to my Parkinson's symptoms if I participate, or is this purely to test whether the technology works?
4If I'm already using DBS for my Parkinson's, is there any risk that participating in this synchronization test could interfere with my current stimulation settings or affect how well my DBS controls my symptoms?
5Before considering something like this, would you recommend I first explore any standard adjustments to my existing DBS therapy, or are there other established options I haven't tried yet that might be worth discussing first?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.