Automated Daytime Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation Parameter Optimization in Patients Implanted With Percept Neurostimulator
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What is this study?
Parkinson's disease (PD) affects \~1% of people over 60 years old, is highly disabling and represents a large economic burden. While dopaminergic medications effectively treat motor symptoms early in the disease, most patients develop complications, including motor fluctuations and dyskinesias, which can be partially managed by deep brain stimulation (DBS).
It is , overseen by an independent and licensed medical staff.
Read the full clinical description
Parkinson's disease (PD) affects \~1% of people over 60 years old, is highly disabling and represents a large economic burden. While dopaminergic medications effectively treat motor symptoms early in the disease, most patients develop complications, including motor fluctuations and dyskinesias, which can be partially managed by deep brain stimulation (DBS). This surgical therapy consists of delivering continuous electrical stimulation through electrodes permanently implanted in basal ganglia nuclei, with a pulse generator and battery unit implanted in the chest. However, conventional DBS therapy is delivered with constant stimulation parameters, referred to as constant deep brain stimulation (cDBS), that are unresponsive to patient activities or to variations in the severity of symptoms during daily life. This leaves many patients under- or over-stimulated during parts of the day. To address the shortcomings of cDBS, adaptive DBS (aDBS) uses real-time detection of neural signals to automatically adjust stimulation amplitude or other parameters in response to patients' dynamic clinical needs. aDBS was approved by the U.S. Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) for clinical treatment of PD in the Percept PC and RC (Medtronic) device in February 2025. Fully leveraging this therapy in the real world is limited by technical challenges, in particular the fact that: while the investigators developed a consistent pipeline for implementing aDBS, there were several critical control parameters that strongly influenced algorithm performance and required prolonged trial-and-error based testing, to achieve successful control. In this new study, the investigators seek to significantly extend this work and address the major barriers to widespread, easy adoption of aDBS by groups without specialized knowledge of neurophysiology or feedback control. Here the investigators aim to test an automated, data-driven pipeline for the recommendation of the adaptive control parameters.
Are you a good fit?
Simplified highlights. The study team always confirms the full details with you.
- ✓Adults roughly 25–75
What to expect, step by step
- 1
Usually a few weeks
The study team checks whether the study is a good fit for you, with a visit and sometimes lab tests. You can ask any questions before deciding.
- 2
Treatment
If you join and choose to continue, you receive the study treatment and are watched closely by medical staff.
- 3
Follow-up
After treatment, the team checks on your health and confirms the visit schedule with you. You can leave the study at any point.
Has this treatment been tested before?
The study team can share what safety testing has been done so far.
What you need to know before you apply
What is this study testing?+
Parkinson's disease (PD) affects \~1% of people over 60 years old, is highly disabling and represents a large economic burden. While dopaminergic medications effectively treat motor symptoms early in the disease, most patients develop complications, including motor fluctuations and dyskinesias, which can be partially managed by deep brain stimulation (DBS).
Is it safe? Who makes sure of that?+
This is a research study. Every study is reviewed and monitored by an independent ethics board (called an IRB) whose job is to protect participants, and care is overseen by licensed medical staff. You'll be told the known risks before you agree to anything, and you can stop at any time.
Will I get a placebo instead of the real treatment?+
Some studies compare a treatment against a placebo (an inactive version), and some don't. If this one does, the study team will explain your chances of receiving the active treatment before you decide. Nothing is hidden from you.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications?+
It depends on the study. Some let you stay on your current medications and some ask you to adjust them. Never stop a medication on your own — the study team will review everything with you first.
Does it cost anything? Will I be paid?+
Study-related care is provided at no cost to you. Some studies also pay for your time; the coordinator can tell you if this one does. You should never be asked to pay to take part.
Do I need insurance? Will anyone ask about my immigration status?+
No. You do not need health insurance to take part in a research study, and you will not be asked about your immigration status to join. Taking part is about whether you're a medical fit for the study.
What if English isn't my first language?+
You have the right to understand everything before you agree. Study sites can often provide materials or an interpreter in your language — you can ask the coordinator for one.
Is my information private?+
Yes. Your health information is only shared with the study sites you choose to be contacted by, and only to help match and enroll you. It is never sold, and you can ask us to delete it at any time.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT07682311 · Locations: California