Researchers at The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital) are currently evaluating a non-invasive electrical brain stimulation technique to temporarily relieve symptoms of Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). This international clinical study, conducted in Canada exclusively at The Neuro is exploring the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to reactivate brain circuits affected by the disease.
Friedreich’s ataxia leads to progressive degeneration of the cerebellum, a brain region essential for coordination and balance. By electrically stimulating this area, researchers hope to improve balance, speech, and manual dexterity, building on encouraging results from earlier European pilot studies.
Study participants will undergo advanced brain imaging, including MRI and magnetoencephalography (MEG), to measure in real time how stimulation affects brain activity. If findings are positive, this approach could become rapidly accessible and complement emerging treatments already available for people living with Friedreich’s ataxia.
CONTACT US
Adults with FA at all stages who are interested in participating, contact:
✉ mvt.neurocru@mcgill.ca
☎ (514) 398-5500
⇨ cru.mcgill.ca/mvtdisorders
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