Using magnetic stimulation to improve therapy for tics in children and adolescents

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Augment Behavior Therapy for Tics

NIH-funded research University of Minnesota · NIH-11185773

This study is looking at how a special brain treatment called rTMS can help young people with chronic tics get better results from a therapy called CBIT, by comparing two different rTMS methods to see which one works best for reducing tics.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11185773 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to enhance the effectiveness of Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) in young people with chronic tics. The study will compare two different rTMS techniques against a sham treatment to determine which method best improves tic suppression abilities. Participants will undergo 10 daily sessions combining CBIT with the assigned rTMS regimen. The goal is to normalize brain activity related to tic disorders and improve treatment outcomes for affected youth.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are youth aged 12-21 years who experience chronic tics and have not fully benefited from standard behavioral therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have chronic tics or are outside the age range of 12-21 years may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve tic suppression in children and adolescents, leading to better management of their symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results using rTMS for various neurological conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel application in tic disorders.

Where this research is happening

Minneapolis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.