• PDtrials - Parkinson's Disease Clinical Trials
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Official Study Title: Investigating the Safety of srTMS in the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke(  National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)A branch of the National Institutes of Health whose research concentrates on the brain and conditions that result in brain function irregularities. The NINDS funds much of the research on Parkinson's disease.  Parkinson's DiseaseA chronic, slowly progressive disease of the nervous system characterized by the combination of tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and stooped posture, among other symptoms. Internet address: http://www.ninds.nih.gov NINDS)
Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT00063284
Study ID: NCT00063284

Summary

This study will use a device called the magnetic stimulator to investigate the safe limit of a method of brain stimulation called super rapid transcranial magnetic stimulation  Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)Brief electrical currents are passed through an insulated wire coil placed on the subject's scalp and the coil, creating magnetic pulses that pass into the brain. (srTMS). Magnetic brain stimulation may help improve walking problems and slowness of movement (bradykinesia)  BradykinesiaSlowness of movement. . In super rapid transcranial magnetic stimulation (srTMS), a circular coil is placed on the scalp. An electric current is briefly passed through the coil, generating a magnetic field. The study will evaluate the intensity of stimulation and the number of magnetic pulses that may lead to excessive stimulation. To be eligible, participants must have Parkinson's disease, be taking levodopa  LevodopaA compound that is converted into dopamine (the brain chemical which is deficient in people with Parkinson's) in the brain. and have problems walking, including freezing. Those who have implanted devices containing metal may not be eligible to participate in this study.

Study Phase

Phase 1
What is a study phase?

Symptoms Addressed: Movement Symptoms

Walking/Gait,  GaitWay of walking, which is diminished in people with Parkinson’s who tend to shuffle their feet, take too short steps, and not swing one or both arms. Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)

Time Commitment

• Less than one day
• 2-4 hours

Eligibility

• Minimum Age: 40
• Maximum Age: 80
• Gender(s) Accepted: Either

Inclusion Criteria

• Have Parkinson's disease
• Taking levodopa
• Have problems walking, including freezing

Exclusion Criteria

• Have implanted devices containing metal (for example pacemaker, metal plate in skull)

Enrollment

Expected Enrollment: 10 (US)
Date Enrollment Began: Jun 17 2003
Last Updated Date: Nov 07 2004
Trial Post Date: Nov 07 2004
Website: http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00063284

Primary Contacts and Locations

Maryland

• No Individual Specified
  Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office
  prpl@mail.cc.nih.gov
  Phone: 800-411-1222
  National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
  9000 Rockville Pike
  Bethesda, MD 20892
  USA