CHARactersation of Movement to predict Efficacy of DBS in MS version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Objective Characterisation of Movement Disorders to Identify People with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Likely to Benefit from Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
IRAS ID
248679
Contact name
Konrad Szewczyk-Krolikowski
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
North Bristol NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease affecting over 100,000 people in the UK. Commonly diagnosed between the ages of 20-30 years it causes progressive disability. Tremor, rhythmic shaking of the arm/hand, is present in around 58% of those with MS and very severe in up to 15%. It occurs during purposeful movements (intention tremor) affecting quality of life as feeding, writing and self-care become difficult with loss of independence and dignity. There is little effective treatment for tremor in MS. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is an established technique for treating essential tremor (ET) and is effective in reducing upper limb tremor in some Parkinson’s Disease. It involves implantation of stimulating electrodes into deep brain nerve networks involved in movement control where weak electrical pulses interfere with abnormal electrical discharges linked to tremor. DBS is less effective in MS where tremor is often combined with other movement disorders such as ataxia. It is difficult to separate the presence of tremor and ataxia during clinical examination. Using body worn sensors and software previously developed by this team the study will objectively measure and characterise arm movements in people with MS or ET attending the DBS clinic and people with MS who have already received DBS. Participants will be invited to have their movements recorded and analysed before and after treatment to better understand the movement characteristics that respond well to DBS. Recordings will be taken during preoperative assessment and for those who receive DBS at 6 months post operatively. Those with MS who have previously undergone DBS will be invited to attend for movement recordings with DBS switched on and off . We aim to recruit up to 35 people over the three-year study. The study will inform whether we can improve patient selection and therefore treatment success rate of DBS in MS.
REC name
South Central - Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/SC/0662
Date of REC Opinion
21 Dec 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion