Charleston, SCNCT07536022Now EnrollingIRB Ready

Parkinson's Disease Clinical Trial in Charleston, SC

Access cutting-edge parkinson's disease treatment through this clinical trial at a research site in Charleston. Study-provided care at no cost to qualified participants.

Sponsored by Medical University of South Carolina

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Expert Care in Charleston

Access parkinson's disease specialists at no cost

IRB Approved

This study follows strict safety protocols and ethical guidelines

No-Cost Care

All study-related parkinson's disease treatment provided free

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Check if you qualify for this parkinson's disease clinical trial in Charleston, SC

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Why Participate?

  • No-Cost Study Care

  • Local to Charleston

    Convenient for SC residents

  • Cutting-Edge Treatment

    Access to innovative therapies

  • Expert Medical Care

    Close monitoring by specialists

  • Possible Compensation*

    For time and travel

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Simple Process

  1. 1Submit this form
  2. 2Phone screening
  3. 3Visit Charleston site if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Parkinson's Disease Study in Charleston

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if taVNS works to treat symptoms of Parkinson's Disease in adults. It will also learn about the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of taVNS administered at home by the participant. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Is at-home taVNS feasible and effective for treating symptoms of Parkinson's Disease? How often are participants completing the stimulation protocol? What are the side effects of stimulation experienced by participants? How do participants rate the experience of taVNS sessions at home? How do participants' scores on assessments and questionnaires change with taVNS treatments? 2. How does taVNS impact connections between neural networks in the brain of patients with Parkinson's Disease at rest? Participants will: * Have a baseline MRI scan to take images of their brain. * Complete a series of assessments and questionnaires to evaluate their Parkinson's Disease motor symptoms, cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms, and other non-motor symptoms. * Have an initial taVNS session where their threshold to perceive the stimulation will be measured. This value will be used to stimulate each participant at a specific dose relative to their individual perception of stimulation. * Be trained on how to use the taVNS device and system and have one 1-hour taVNS session where their vitals will be monitored. * Self-administer 1-hour daily taVNS sessions for 8 weeks at-home, complete tolerability questionnaires, and weekly remote check-ins with study staff. * After 4-weeks of at-home taVNS, participants will come in-person to repeat the questionnaires and assessments from the first visit. * Following the 8 weeks of taVNS sessions, participants will repeat the MRI scan, assessments and questionnaires from visit 1. * Participants will complete questionnaires remotely 1 month following their last taVNS sessions.

Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

Issues with walking, balance, and gait as determined by a movement disorders neurologist (a score of equal to or greater than 1 on MDS-UPDRS items 2.12 (walking and balance), and 3.10 (gait))
Diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's Disease based on UK Brain Bank diagnostic criteria
Hoehn and Yahr Stage 2-4 as determined by a movement disorders neurologist
Stable on dopaminergic medications over the past 30 days prior to enrollment in the study

Exclusion Criteria

A history of taVNS in the last 6 months
A history of brain surgery, traumatic brain injury or stroke
Diagnosis of a nervous system disorder besides PD, alcohol or substance use disorder, or unstable cardiovascular conditions
History of myocardial infarction or arrhythmia, bradycardia
A history of other significant gait impairment unrelated to PD (e.g. orthopedic deformities)
Inability to complete gait/ motor assessments (without assistance or assistance devices)
Ear trauma, facial pain, anatomical abnormalities or other barriers preventing earpiece fit
Failure to meet all criteria on a standardized MRI/taVNS safety screening: This includes, but is not limited to, the presence of claustrophobia, implanted electronic devices that are not 3T MRI compatible (e.g., pacemakers), metallic objects or fragments (e.g., bullets), and non-removable hair clips or piercings.
Individuals with a diagnosis of cognitive impairment (MoCA \< 24) that would make them unable to understand and follow study instructions or to consent for themselves.
Visual hallucinations or other psychotic symptoms, other than mild visual hallucinations secondary to PD medications, not requiring treatment, or well controlled on stable doses of quetiapine or pimavenserin.
Individuals with a history of seizure(s)
Inability to perform at-home taVNS procedures safely and properly (either alone or with the aid of a caregiver)
Uncorrected visual or hearing impairments that would impact performance on cognitive tests or ability to follow study procedures
Use of B-Blockers, dopamine blocking agent (other than quetiapine or pimavenserin in stable doses), antiarrhythmic medication, acetylcholine esterase inhibitor (study doctor will consider if on stable doses), midodrine, fludrocortisone, droxidopa, or anticholinergic drugs

Not sure if you qualify? Submit your interest and a study coordinator will help determine your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is this study available in Charleston?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT07536022) has an active research site in Charleston, SC that is currently enrolling participants.

Q:Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. This study has been reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals. You can withdraw at any time.

Q:Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time and travel expenses. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is provided at no cost.

Q:Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

Still have questions? Our study coordinators are here to help.

Parkinson's Disease Treatment Options in Charleston, SC

If you're searching for parkinson's disease treatment options in Charleston, SC, this clinical trial (NCT07536022) may be an excellent opportunity. Clinical trials provide access to cutting-edge treatments that aren't yet available to the general public, often at no cost to participants.

Our Charleston research site is actively enrolling participants for this clinical trial. You'll receive care from experienced parkinson's disease specialists who are at the forefront of medical research. All study-related care, including examinations, treatments, and monitoring, is provided at no cost to qualified participants.

Looking for more options? Browse all parkinson's disease clinical trials near you to find additional studies recruiting in your area.

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