Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Investigating the Increased Risk of Falls in Individuals With Parkinson's Disease Treated With Deep Brain Stimulation

United States20 participantsStarted 2026-08-01

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this pilot study is to assess changes in thinking and movement after deep brain stimulator implantation. The study will also examine whether these changes are related to the risk of falls.

Who can participate

Age range

30 Years – 80 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: * Age between 30-80, patient has elected to undergo DBS surgery as part of routine care, cleared for deep brain stimulation surgery as part of routine care by the movement disorders committee. Refractory motor symptoms such as dyskinesias, wearing off, and/or motor fluctuations, causing significant disability, despite reasonable attempts at medical management, as determined by the consensus DBS committee, able to walk, Patient is available for follow-up over the length of the study Exclusion Criteria: Patient's insurance will not cover the costs of surgery with investigational devices, Medical contraindications such as current uncontrolled hypertension, heart disease, coagulopathy, or other conditions contraindicating DBS surgery or stimulation, self-report of lack of clear levodopa response, requires a walker or wheelchair for mobility \-

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

Self-Reported Falls

Timeframe: From enrollment to end of study will be 4-5 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07725315

SponsorUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-11-01

Contact for this trial

Christopher Hurt, PhD

2059345817 cphurt@uab.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Deep Brain Stimulation trials

Who can participate

Age range

30 Years – 80 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.