Transcranial Temporal Interference Stimulation (tTIS) To Modulate Essential Tremor
Switzerland6 participantsStarted 2026-05-26
Plain-language summary
The goal of this proof-of-concept study is to examine the effects of a relatively new, non-invasive electrical current-based technique, transcranial temporal interference stimulation (tTIS), in patients with Essential Tremor (ET). TTIS is delivered via a Digitimer Ltd. stimulator, the "DS5 Isolated Bipolar Constant Current Stimulator." The method enables targeting deep cerebral structures to selectively modulate neurons. The structure of interest in the present study is the ventralis intermedius (VIM) of the thalamus, which plays a key role in tremor generation in people with essential tremor. Therefore, techniques targeting the VIM nucleus can potentially improve the tremor and the quality of life in the long term, as is the case with MRI-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MRgHIFU). Despite its efficiency, MRgHIFU can lead to side effects that could benefit from improved predictive modeling. In our proof-of-concept study, the investigators aim to examine whether tTIS of the VIM nucleus can alter tremor characteristics and, therefore, mimic the effects of MRgHIFU. This work would pave the way for future clinical trials to design prediction tools for MRgHIFU if the investigators can demonstrate the positive impact of tTIS.
Who can participate
Age range
18 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 (for both arms):
* Informed Consent signed by the subject;
* Age ≥ 18 years;
* Diagnosis of Essential Tremor (ET) based on the proposed criteria by the Movement Disorders Society;
* Candidate for MRgHIFU thalamotomy
Exclusion Criteria (for both arms):
* Unable to provide informed consent;
* Severe sensory or cognitive impairment or musculoskeletal dysfunction that prohibits understanding instructions or performing the experimental tasks.
Only for patients undergoing the tTIS protocol (experimental arm):
* Severe neuropsychiatric (e.g., major depression, severe dementia, psychosis) or unstable systemic diseases (e.g., severe progressive and unstable cancer, life-threatening infectious disease);
* Inability to follow or non-compliance with the procedures of the study;
* Contraindications for non-invasive brain stimulation:
* Electronic or ferromagnetic medical implants or devices
* History of seizures
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.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
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.
What they're measuring
1
Tremor amplitude
Timeframe: From enrollment to day 1 (D1) after MRgHIFU