Identifying brain targets to help control tics in Tourette syndrome using deep brain stimulation
Official title: Defining Targets for Tic Detection and Suppression in Tourette Syndrome Deep Brain Stimulation
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10917124 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with Tourette syndrome by using a special device that can adjust its treatment based on their tics, aiming to find the best spots in the brain to reduce those tics for those who haven't found relief with other methods.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $967,624 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3NS119844-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10917124 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with severe Tourette syndrome who have not found relief from conventional treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild Tourette syndrome or those who have responded well to existing treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving treatment for Tourette syndrome (TS) by using deep brain stimulation (DBS) to control uncontrollable tics. The study aims to identify specific brain regions that can be targeted to reduce tics in patients who have not responded to other treatments. By utilizing advanced closed-loop DBS systems, the research will monitor brain activity and adjust stimulation in real-time based on the patient's symptoms. This innovative approach seeks to enhance the effectiveness of DBS for individuals with severe TS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatments for patients with Tourette syndrome, significantly improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using deep brain stimulation for Tourette syndrome, but this approach aims to refine and enhance the technique with real-time monitoring and adjustments.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Okun, Michael S — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Okun, Michael S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Detecting and stopping tics with targeted deep brain stimulation for Tourette syndrome
Adaptive deep brain stimulation devices will be implanted in people with severe, treatment-resistant Tourette syndrome to detect brain signals tied to tics and automatically reduce those tics.
-
Cerebellar Deep Brain Stimulation for Spinocerebellar Ataxias
A preliminary clinical trial will test delivering electrical stimulation to the cerebellum in people with spinocerebellar ataxia to see if it improves balance and coordination.
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Improving deep brain stimulation with MRI and AI
We use brain scans and artificial intelligence to speed up and personalize deep brain stimulation settings for people getting DBS.
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Adaptive deep brain stimulation to help Parkinson's patients respond to daily changes
A new, smarter brain stimulation approach for Parkinson’s disease aims to automatically adjust therapy throughout the day to better control symptoms.
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Automated programming for personalized deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease
Aims to create an AI-powered system that automatically tunes the brain stimulation settings for people with Parkinson’s disease to improve benefits and reduce side effects.
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Ventral pallidum brain stimulation for epilepsy
A brain stimulation therapy in people with epilepsy whose seizures aren’t controlled by medicines or surgery is being studied to see if it can help achieve seizure freedom.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.