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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
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
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