A Neural Basis for Cognitive Decline Following Deep Brain Stimulation: A DBS-fMRI Study

Date Added
March 18th, 2025
PRO Number
Pro00142451
Researcher
Daniel Lench

List of Studies

Keywords
Brain, Parkinsons
Summary

The purpose of this research study is to learn how Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), which targets a part of the brain called the subthalamic nucleus (STN), may affect thinking and memory in people with Parkinson's Disease (PD). We plan to include about 55 people with PD who have already had DBS surgery at MUSC's Clinical DBS Program.

As part of the study, participants will attend two visits after their DBS surgery. The first visit, which will last about three hours, includes going over the study information and consent form, collecting background information (demographics), and completing tests that measure thinking and memory (cognitive assessments). The second visit, also about three hours, will involve an MRI scan to look at how the brain's networks change when the DBS device is turned on and off.

These findings may help doctors and researchers make better decisions about which patients are most likely to benefit from DBS surgery and how to choose the best stimulation settings to reduce unwanted changes in thinking and memory.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Niloufar Malakouti
843-792-0235
malakout@musc.edu

Circuitry-guided repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for tobacco use in Veterans: A comparison of insula-rTMS and prefrontal-rTMS

Date Added
May 6th, 2025
PRO Number
Pro00141919
Researcher
Xingbao Li

List of Studies


Keywords
Brain, Healthy Volunteer Studies, Smoking, Substance Use
Summary

Quitting smoking is hard, and many Veterans struggle even with current treatments. This study is testing a safe, non-invasive brain stimulation called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), which is already FDA-approved to help people stop smoking. We're comparing two types—standard and personalized—to see which works better. We aim to find the best option to help Veterans quit for good.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Cyra Valente
843 792-0136
VA email in process (valentec@musc.edu)

A PROSPECTIVE, MULTICOUNTRY STUDY TO ESTIMATE THE INCIDENCE OF AND PROVIDE A BEST PRACTICE MODEL FOR MONITORING THE DEVELOPMENT OF POST-STROKE SPASTICITY

Date Added
May 15th, 2025
PRO Number
Pro00142456
Researcher
Parneet Grewal

List of Studies

Keywords
Stroke, Stroke Recovery
Summary

This study is looking for participants who have had a stroke for the first time and have also had weakness (known as "paresis") in their arms or legs. People who have weakness in their arms or legs after their stroke are at risk of developing spasticity. Spasticity is a condition where muscles stiffen or tighten involuntarily, preventing normal movement, and sometimes causing discomfort or pain.

This study is looking at the proportion of first-ever stroke participants with paresis who develop spasticity up to 12 months after their stroke. We would like to do this by contacting you regularly to see whether you have developed spasticity. The study period for each individual participant will vary depending on whether and when spasticity or problematic spasticity develops.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Caitlan LeMatty
843-792-8606
lemattyc@musc.edu



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