Wrist zap may tame tics: electrical pulses tested as Drug-Free option

NCT ID NCT05269953

First seen Jun 30, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether rhythmic electrical pulses delivered to the wrist (median nerve stimulation) can reduce tics and the urge to tic in people with Tourette syndrome or chronic tic disorder. Participants wear a portable device for 15 minutes at a time over four weeks. The study compares active stimulation to a sham (placebo) condition and to no stimulation, using questionnaires, interviews, and video recordings to measure changes in tic severity.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

median nerve stimulation (MNS) device

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a safe, portable, drug-free option to reduce tics and urges in people with Tourette syndrome or chronic tic disorder.

What could go wrong

This is a relatively small, early-stage trial comparing active stimulation to a sham (placebo) condition. The effect may be modest or not last beyond the stimulation period.

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.

chronic tic disorder tic disorder Tourette syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Sir Colin Campbell Building

    Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2TU, United Kingdom