Movement Disorders Clinical Trial Unit

What Are Clinical Trials?

Clinical trials or research studies are special, highly structured programs in which we learn more about Parkinson’s disease, and related disorders. Drug trials are designed so that we are able to evaluate new medications to see if they are safe and effective. Each trial or study will have a very specific set of illness characteristics which the patient must meet if they wish to participate (“inclusion” and “exclusion” criteria). These may include medications you have been on, how long you have had your illness, and the state of your health in general.

Clinical trial information changes on a daily basis. Many clinical trials accept only a limited number of participants. Further, new trials are added on a routine basis as they are approved by the various institutions involved. Therefore, we suggest you check back often if you are interested in a specific treatment for a specific condition in order to review your options.

Check in with us if you are interested in Clinical Trials for the following conditions: 

• Early untreated Parkinson’s disease
• Moderate to advanced Parkinson’s disease
• Advanced Parkinson’s disease with wearing off symptoms
• Freezing of Gait with Parkinson's disease
• Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's disease
• Cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease
• Speech and Parkinson’s Disease
• Genetics and Parkinson’s Disease
• Exercise and Cognition in Parkinson's disease
• Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
• Huntington’s Disease
• Multiple System Atrophy
• Dystonia
• Essential Tremor
• Vascular Parkinsonism

Contact Us

If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial please email the MUSC Movement Disorders Program at thompskn@musc.edu.