Brain stimulation shows promise for tourette syndrome in small study

NCT ID NCT05628805

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This completed study tested whether a short, non-invasive brain stimulation technique called theta burst stimulation (iTBS) could improve brain circuits involved in tic control. Sixteen people with Tourette syndrome, aged 10 to 21, received either real or sham stimulation. The goal was to see if it could boost a brain marker of motor inhibition, which might eventually lead to fewer tics.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

What this could lead to

If this works, it could point toward a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment to reduce tics in Tourette syndrome.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, early study (16 people) that only measured a brain marker, not actual tic reduction. Results may not lead to a real treatment.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

modifier, X-linked, for Neurofunctional defects Tourette syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

    Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229, United States