Could magnetic pulses ease mysterious movement problems?
NCT ID NCT05829005
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This pilot study tested whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, can improve motor symptoms in people with functional neurological disorder (FND). Fifty-one adults with limb weakness received TMS over the motor cortex. The study aimed to see if symptoms improved and to explore how TMS might work. Results are still being analyzed.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment for functional motor symptoms, offering a new option for symptom relief.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small pilot study with only 51 participants, so results may not apply widely. The treatment is still experimental and may not show clear benefit.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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51 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Aug 2023
- Finished
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Dec 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 80 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria 1. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) diagnosis of motor FND (i.e. presenting with weakness of at least one limb) made by consultant neurologist and/or neuropsychiatrist. 2. Age ≥18yrs. 3. Ability to give written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria 1. Epilepsy (or considered high risk of epilepsy from medical history). 2. Other contraindication to TMS (e.g. cochlear implants, metallic intracranial clips/surgery in last 12 months). 3. Comorbid organic neurological condition. 4. Pain as primary symptom. 5. Previous treatment with TMS (for any condition). 6. Non-fluent English speakers (if unable to accurately complete self-report questionnaires). 7. Major mental health disorder: current diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder; current drug/alcohol dependence. 8. History of factitious disorder. 9. Currently involved in another trial. 10. Pregnancy
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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
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Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
London, London, se5 8af, United Kingdom
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.