tDCS for Slowing ALS Progression

Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen bySangeetha Madhavan

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May be covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: N/A

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Illinois at Chicago

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?This trial is testing a new treatment that uses electrical signals sent to the brain, monitored by doctors remotely. It aims to help people with ALS keep their muscles working better for longer. The goal is to see if this method can slow down the loss of motor function in ALS patients.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals diagnosed with ALS within the last 5 years, who can swallow and walk to some extent, are on a stable dose of certain ALS medications or none, and have a caregiver available. It's not for those with other neurological diseases, severe psychiatric disorders, serious systemic illnesses, or those using ventilation over 12 hours daily.

Inclusion Criteria

I am on a stable dose of ALS medication or not taking any.

I have been diagnosed with ALS.

I can walk with some assistance.

My ALS started with weakness in my arms or legs.

Exclusion Criteria

My neurological condition is not ALS.

I use a ventilator for more than 12 hours daily.

My ALS started with speech or swallowing problems.

Treatment Details

The study tests remotely supervised brain stimulation (tDCS) as a potential treatment to slow down ALS progression. Participants will receive either actual tDCS or sham (fake) therapy to see if it helps maintain motor functions better than no treatment.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Placebo Group

Group I: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention

Facilitatory transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)

Group II: Delayed-Start Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Control GroupPlacebo Group1 Intervention

Sham tDCS followed by a switch to anodal tDCS.