Median nerve stimulation for Tourette syndrome and Chronic tic disorde
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled, trial of rhythmic 10Hz median nerve stimulation for the suppression of the urge-to-tic and reduction of tics in individuals with Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorder
IRAS ID
295973
Contact name
Stephen Jackson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Tourette syndrome (TS) and chronic tic disorder (CTD) are neurodevelopmental disorders that impact approximately 1% of 5-18 year olds worldwide. Both TS and CTD are characterised by the presence of tics, which are repetitive, purposeless, movements or vocalisations of short duration which can occur many times throughout a day. Tics can have a significant negative impact on daily functioning and quality of life, hence, many seek out approaches to manage and reduce their tics and the urges they often feel preceding them. The two main evidence-based approaches to treating tics are behavioural therapies and medication; both of which can be effective, but accessibility and waitlists are often an issue for behavioural therapies and side effects are common with medication use. Consequently, there is an urgent need for the development of alternative, safe and accessible treatments.
This study aims to examine the effects of rhythmic pulses of electrical stimulation delivered to the wrist in treating tics in people with TS and CTD. In our recent work, we have shown that this type of electrical stimulation known as median nerve stimulation (MNS), can substantially reduce tics and related urges during stimulation. We now want to extend this work to examine the effects of the stimulation on a higher number of people, compared to placebo and treatment as usual. We will do this through assessment of symptom change using questionnaires, interviews and videos collection during four weeks of stimulation and two time points afterwards.
We have developed a new MNS device for this trial which is portable and easy to use. If we successfully show that rhythmic MNS is beneficial when compared to treatment as usual or a placebo condition, we will be closer to developing a safe an effective treatment for tics.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/EM/0024
Date of REC Opinion
21 Feb 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion