Training adolescents with Tourette Syndrome to control brain activity
Neurofeedback from the supplementary motor area for Tourette Syndrome
This study is testing a brain training program to help teenagers with Tourette Syndrome learn to control a part of their brain that affects their tics, using fun techniques like imagining relaxing scenes or practicing movements, to see if it can help them manage their symptoms better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11036355 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a neurofeedback intervention aimed at helping adolescents with Tourette Syndrome learn to control a specific area of their brain known as the supplementary motor area (SMA), which is linked to tic generation. Participants will receive real-time feedback on their brain activity while practicing techniques to either increase or decrease activity in this region. The intervention includes mental strategies such as visualizing complex motor tasks or relaxing scenarios to help manage their symptoms. The study aims to confirm previous promising results in a larger group of participants using a randomized design.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 0-11 years diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 0-11 years or those without a diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a non-invasive method for adolescents with Tourette Syndrome to better manage their tics and improve their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using similar neurofeedback approaches have shown promising results, indicating potential efficacy in managing Tourette Syndrome symptoms.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hampson, Michelle — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Hampson, Michelle
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 below.