Investigating brain imaging and cognitive markers in children with Tourette syndrome
Official title: Longitudinal Study of Brain Imaging and Cognitive Markers of Tourette Syndrome in Children
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11197120 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Tourette syndrome affects kids by using brain scans and tests over time to see how their brain functions change as they grow, with the goal of finding ways to help manage their symptoms better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $145,227 |
| NIH project number | 3R01MH118217-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11197120 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 5 to 14 years who have been diagnosed with Tourette syndrome or chronic tic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Tourette syndrome or chronic tic disorders may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding Tourette syndrome (TS) in children by examining brain imaging and cognitive markers over time. It aims to identify how brain networks involved in cognitive control and motor functions interact, particularly during critical developmental stages when symptoms peak. By tracking these changes longitudinally, the study seeks to uncover predictors of TS outcomes, which could lead to better management strategies for affected children. Participants will undergo brain imaging and assessments to gather data on their symptoms and brain function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for children with Tourette syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain function in Tourette syndrome, but this longitudinal approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Greene, Deanna Jacquelyn — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Greene, Deanna Jacquelyn
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Precision brain mapping of tics in children with Tourette syndrome
A new study uses advanced MRI to map brain activity in individual kids with Tourette syndrome to understand why tics differ from child to child.
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Digital tic-detection partner to support Tourette syndrome therapy
A computer vision system will help detect tics in children and youths with Tourette syndrome to support behavioral therapy at home and in real life.
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Quantifying Tourette tics with video and computer tools
This project aims to develop and test video-based, automated ways to measure tic severity in people with Tourette Syndrome.
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Brain-feedback training to help teens with Tourette control tics
This project teaches teenagers with Tourette syndrome to use real-time MRI brain-feedback to change activity in a motor brain area with the goal of reducing tics.
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International collaboration mapping genes and brain scans in Tourette syndrome
This project brings together MRI brain scans and genetic data from people with Tourette syndrome and related conditions to spot biological patterns linked to tics and co-occurring symptoms.
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How Tourette syndrome develops in the brain
Researchers are using donated brain tissue and patient-derived stem cells to learn why people with Tourette syndrome have fewer specific brain cells in the basal ganglia.
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.