Memantine Treatment in Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome
Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia SyndromeFragile X Premutation CarriersThe purpose of this study is to determine if memantine is effective in treating symptoms of Fragile X-associated Tremor Ataxia Syndrome.
Clinical Trial Characterizing the Bioavailability of 1-Octanol in Adults With Ethanol-responsive...
Essential TremorOVERVIEW Essential tremor (ET) is a common movement disorder affecting 0.4% of the general population and up to 14% of people 65 years and older. Response to medications such as beta blockers and primidone may be of benefit, but are often accompanied by intolerable side effects. Response to ethanol, on the other hand, has a roughly 80% chance of significant tremor reduction, though daily use of this as a treatment has potentially serious medical, social, and legal consequences. The leading hypothesis for ET pathophysiology is an unmasking of spontaneous oscillations originating in neurons of the inferior olive. Both ethanol and 1-octanol have been shown to reduce these spontaneous oscillations in an animal model of ET; however, 1-octanol does this at a dose much lower than that leading to intoxication, suggesting in may be useful in the treatment of essential tremor. Our initial studies with 1-octanol have shown it to be safe at dosages up to 64mg/kg without signs of intoxication, while at the same time showing benefit. OBJECTIVE We plan to evaluate the efficacy of different 1-octanol formulations in humans based on accelerometry and spirography. We will also evaluate drug and metabolite bioavailabilities using a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) detection method from plasma and urine samples. STUDY POPULATION We will study adult subjects with ethanol-responsive Essential Tremor (ET). DESIGN This study is designed as a two-phase unblinded inpatient study of adults with ET receiving weight-adjusted oral dosages of 2 different formulations of 1-octanol in a crossover fashion. Phase I of the study is designed to develop an octanol detection assay using HPLC. Four subjects will receive daily escalating dosages (1-32 mg/kg) of a single 1-octanol formulation followed by a crossover trial of both formulations at a dosage of 64 mg/kg. Phase II will study 20 subjects receiving one of the two formulations at 64 mg/kg on inpatient day 1 followed by a 24 hour period of close monitoring. The second formulation will be given on day 3 and the patient will again undergo close monitoring for 24 hours. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome measures for the study will be efficacy based on tremor ratings from accelerometry and spirography. Secondary outcome measures will be the determination of bioavailability, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles of octanol #61864 and octanol #68751 and their metabolites.
Effect of Alcohol on Tremors
TremorTremors are involuntary movements of a part or parts of the body that occur because of alternating contraction and relaxation of muscles. The causes behind most tremors are poorly understood. Some studies suggest tremors could be caused by abnormalities in a particular area of the brain called the olivary nucleus. Researchers believe that the cells making up the olivary nucleus may be responsible for generating a central rhythm of the body and may therefore also be responsible for the generation of tremors. Consumption of alcohol has been known to reduce tremors in some patients. Researchers believe that the alcohol may work directly on the cells of the olivary nucleus. As a result, researchers would like to determine the effects of alcohol on three different kinds of tremors (physiological, symptomatic palatal, and essential palatal).
1-Octanol to Treat Essential Tremor
Essential TremorThis study will determine the optimal dose of 1-octanol that will safely reduce tremors in patients with essential tremor-a disorder in which the hands, and sometimes the head, shake involuntarily. Current treatments may be ineffective or produce unwanted side effects. Ethanol (the chemical in beer and wine that causes intoxication) reduces tremor in many patients, but patients generally don't use it regularly because it interferes with daily activities. Laboratory studies show that 1-octanol, a drug that is similar to ethanol, may have the same beneficial effect on tremors with less likelihood of intoxication. Patients 21 years of age and older with essential tremor may be eligible for this 10-day study. Candidates will be evaluated with a neurological examination, blood tests, urinalysis and electrocardiogram (EKG). Those enrolled will be admitted to the hospital for 4 days for 1-octanol administration and monitoring. On day 1, patients will have a medical history and physical examination. A catheter (a thin plastic tube) will be placed in a vein of the forearm for sampling blood. Patients will take one 1-octanol capsule (at one of seven doses) by mouth and will be monitored for tremors and drug side effects. Blood will be sampled periodically in the first 3 hours to determine 1-octanol blood levels. On days 2 and 3, patients will be monitored for additional side effects. On days 3 and 4, laboratory tests (blood and urine) will be done to evaluate liver and kidney function. On day 4, the catheter will be removed and the patient will be discharged from the hospital. A follow-up visit will be scheduled 1 week after discharge for a physical examination and blood, urine and EKG tests.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Essential Tremors Patients
Essential TremorThe aim of the study is to investigate the Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Essential Tremors.
directSTIM™ Deep Brain Stimulation System Post-Market Clinical Follow-up Study on Essential Tremor...
Essential TremorThis is a prospective, multi-center, single arm post-market clinical follow-up study. The present study investigates a product authorized on the European market that will be used per its intended use, and all procedures involved follow the standard of care. This is an observational study to provide clinical evidence in support of DBS effectiveness in the treatment of ET when delivered by the directSTIM DBS system. Twenty-one patients will be enrolled in this study. Subjects selected to participate in the study will be ET patients referred to uni- or bilateral DBS implant who meet the inclusion criteria and none of the exclusion criteria. Primary effectiveness variables will be measured at baseline for the identification of the worst limb (most affected by the disease), then 3 months post-surgery. Safety events will be collected between implant and 3-month visit, to evaluate potential confounding factors. After completing the 3-month visit, subjects will exit the study, and continue to be followed by their physician per usual care. Study will be conducted at minimum 3 centers in Europe.
Comparison of Botulinum Toxin Injections in Forearm FLexor Plus EXtensor Muscles vs. Flexor Muscles...
Essential TremorTo compare the efficacy of botulinum toxin (BoNT) injections in forearm flexors plus extensor muscles versus flexors alone for the treatment of essential hand tremor (ET).
A Pilot Study of the Cala ONE Device for Essential Tremor
Essential TremorProspective, multi-center, randomized, controlled study designed to evaluate safety and repeatable effectiveness. Subjects will be randomized 2:1:1 to transcutaneous afferent patterned stimulation (TAPS), sham, or 'no intervention', respectively. Subjects randomized to the TAPS and sham arms will be blinded to their randomization assignments for the first two weeks of participation (controlled phase). After the first two weeks, all subjects will be crossed over to TAPS (open-label phase) for 2 weeks. During study participation, all subjects are to remain on a stable dosage of medications prescribed for the treatment of essential tremor, if applicable.
A Controlled Comparison of Two DBS Targets for Upper Extremity Action Tremor
Action TremorAction tremor of the arms can be an invalidizing symptom of diseases such as Essential Tremor, Dystonic Tremor, Parkinson's disease and Multiple Sclerosis. In this study we compare the efficacy and safety of two different brain targets for deep brain stimulation (DBS) that both are known to reduce action tremor of the arms. These two targets are called the VIM nucleus of the thalamus (VIM) and the posterior subthalamic area (PSA), which includes the Zona Incerta. Both targets can be reached by one lead (wirh four electrode contact). Patients that are found eligible for DBS because of severe action tremor of the arms are invited to participate. After randomization, half of them are stimulated first in the VIM for 3 months and then in the PSA for 3 months, and the other half first in the PSA and then VIM for 3 months each. Tremor severity is scored on a clinical quantitative scale at baseline and at the end of each of these two 3-month periods, and eventual side-effects are registered. The best target is then selected and after another 6 months scoring is repeated. We intend to provide robust data about whether one of the two targets is superior to the other both regarding ability to reduce tremor efficiently and to avoid or minimize side-effects, or if there is no significant difference between the two targets. We also carefully check the exact position of the active electrode contact in the brain and compare this with efficacy and safety evaluations. Long-term follow-up is planned after 3, 5, 7 and 10 years.
Investigation of the Efficacy and Safety of IncobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin) in Parkinson's Tremor:...
ParkinsonTremorThe scientific aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of incobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin-Merz Pharmaceuticals) in the tremor of Parkinson"s disease. Our hypothesis is that injection of Xeomin into the muscles of arm, forearm and hand decreases the tremor amplitude and frequency leading to improvement of the patient"s function.