Precise-target rTMS to relieve motor symptoms of tardive dyskinesia

A Single-Center, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study on the Efficacy and Safety of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) Under Precise Localization for Relieving Motor Symptoms of Tardive Dyskinesia

Not applicable Interventional Peking University Sixth Hospital · NCT07173920

This trial will try targeted repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to reduce involuntary movements in adults with tardive dyskinesia.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment62 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorPeking University Sixth Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing)
Trial IDNCT07173920 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This single-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled interventional trial applies precisely localized rTMS to motor-related brain regions in adults with tardive dyskinesia. Participants are randomized to active rTMS or sham stimulation and followed for changes in motor symptom severity and safety outcomes. Motor symptoms will be measured with established clinical rating scales and adverse events monitored throughout the treatment and follow-up period. Key exclusions include other movement disorders, significant focal brain lesions, epilepsy, and implanted metallic or electronic devices.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 with tardive dyskinesia meeting Schooler-Kane criteria, at least three months of symptoms and prior exposure to dopamine receptor antagonists, who have no other movement disorders, seizures, or contraindicating implants are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with other movement disorders, a history of epilepsy or unexplained loss of consciousness, severe focal brain injury or leukoencephalopathy, or implanted metallic/electronic devices are unlikely to be eligible or to receive benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, targeted rTMS could reduce involuntary movements and improve daily functioning without adding systemic medication side effects.

How similar studies have performed: Small preliminary rTMS studies in movement disorders and limited trials in tardive dyskinesia have shown mixed but sometimes positive results, indicating promise but lacking large confirmatory evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* (1) Age between 18 and 65 years; (2) Patients whose diagnosis is consistent with the tardive dyskinesia (TD) diagnostic criteria defined by the Schooler-Kane criteria, with a disease duration of at least 3 months before screening, and a history of treatment with dopamine receptor antagonists for at least 3 months (a minimum of 1 month for patients aged ≥ 60 years); other diseases that may cause involuntary movements are excluded

Exclusion Criteria:(1) Diagnosed with movement disorders other than tardive dyskinesia (TD); (2) A history of focal brain injury or severe leukoencephalopathy (Fazekas grade 3 or higher) identified on previous head MRI/CT; (3) A personal history of epilepsy, unexplained loss of consciousness, or current use of anticonvulsant medications for seizure management; (4) Presence of metallic medical devices in the body (e.g., cardiac pacemakers, cochlear implants), other metallic foreign bodies, or any electronic devices implanted in the body; or having other contraindications to repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS); (5) Presence of contraindications to MRI scanning, such as having metallic implants in the body or claustrophobia

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Where this trial is running

Beijing

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Tardive DyskinesiaRepetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
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.