Bridging Broken Brain Circuits in Ataxia V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Bridging Broken Brain Circuits with Neurostimulation for Ataxia
IRAS ID
352597
Contact name
Timothy West
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 6 months, 30 days
Research summary
Background
Our brains control movement by sending electrical signals between different regions. One region, the cerebellum, helps us make smooth, coordinated movements such as reaching or walking. When the cerebellum is damaged, people develop cerebellar ataxia: shaky, uncoordinated movements that make everyday tasks such as reaching or walking difficult. There is currently no reliable treatment or therapy available.
What we are studying
We will test a new way of gently stimulating the brain from outside the head, without surgery or injections. Existing methods deliver a steady signal to a large area of the brain, which limits how well they work. We will test a newer method, called temporal interference stimulation, that targets a much smaller area (about the size of a sugar cube) far more precisely. We will also build a system that records brain activity while stimulating, so the stimulation can adjust based on what the brain is doing.
Who can take part
30 adults with cerebellar ataxia and 30 healthy volunteers. Volunteers should have no other neurological conditions, and have no implanted medical devices such as a pacemaker or orthopaedic device.
What is involved
Participants will attend [number] visits at [location], each lasting about [duration]. At each visit we will place soft electrodes on the scalp (no needles), deliver gentle stimulation (usually felt as mild tingling), and ask participants to do simple reaching tasks while we record brain activity. Side effects are usually mild and short-lived, such as tingling, itching, or a brief headache. Participants can stop at any time.
How results will be used
Findings will be shared in scientific journals, at conferences, and in plain-language summaries for participants and patient groups. If promising, this approach could lead to larger trials that could establish clinical effectiveness of providing electrical stimulation in ataxia.REC name
London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/LO/0358
Date of REC Opinion
4 Jun 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion