Using external nerve stimulation to treat ADHD in children
Efficacy of External Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation for Treatment of ADHD
This study is looking at whether a gentle, non-invasive treatment called external trigeminal nerve stimulation can help kids with ADHD feel better, especially for those who don’t do well with regular medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11021040 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of external trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) as a non-invasive treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The study will involve a large, multisite randomized clinical trial to assess how well TNS can alleviate symptoms of ADHD compared to standard treatments. By focusing on understanding the underlying neural mechanisms of ADHD, the research aims to provide a reliable method for predicting treatment responses. This approach seeks to offer an alternative for children who may not respond well to traditional medications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-21 who have been diagnosed with ADHD.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have ADHD or those who are older than 21 years may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for children with ADHD that minimizes the need for medication.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of neuromodulation techniques is gaining interest, this specific application of external trigeminal nerve stimulation for ADHD is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Loo, Sandra K — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Loo, Sandra K
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.