RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Multimodal Electrophysiological Study of Cortico-subcortical Biomarkers of Tics in Tourette Syndrome

This study aims to understand the brain activity linked to tics in people with severe Tourette’s Syndrome. Researchers are studying brain signals in people who have had deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. DBS is a treatment for severe tics that haven't improved with other therapies. Currently, DBS works constantly, but scientists want to develop a 'smart' DBS that can react to brain signals and adjust when a tic is about to happen. To do this, they need to find specific brain patterns, called biomarkers, that reliably show when a tic is coming. This research will help create more effective and personalised DBS treatments, potentially leading to fewer side effects and better tic control.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Bordeaux

Enrolment target

Start

17 Feb 2025

Estimated completion

17 Feb 2027

Tourette Syndrome

What is this study about?

Tourette's Syndrome is a condition that usually starts in childhood, causing people to make sudden, repeated movements (motor tics) and sounds (vocal tics) that they can't control. Many people with Tourette's also experience other conditions like ADHD or anxiety. While the exact cause isn't fully understood, we know it involves certain brain circuits that control movement and emotions. For some people whose severe tics don't respond to other treatments, a procedure called deep brain stimulation (DBS) can help.

DBS involves placing small wires in specific areas of the brain that send out electrical signals. Currently, these signals are delivered constantly. However, scientists believe that if DBS could be made 'smarter' – meaning it could detect when a tic is about to happen and only then deliver stimulation – it might work better, cause fewer side effects, and save battery life. To achieve this 'smart' DBS, we first need to find specific electrical signals in the brain, often called 'biomarkers', that reliably tell us a tic is coming.

This study will help us find these important brain signals. Researchers will look at brain activity in ten people with severe Tourette's who have already had DBS surgery. They will record brain signals from the implanted wires and compare them to detailed video recordings of tics. They'll also compare these signals to those made during voluntary movements similar to tics, to make sure they're focusing specifically on tic-related activity. By doing this, they hope to map out where and when these specific brain signals appear, which could pave the way for more advanced and personalised DBS treatments in the future.

Key takeaways

This study aims to understand brain signals in severe Tourette's.
It could lead to 'smarter' deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatments.
Participants must already have received DBS with a specific device.
No new surgery or device implantation is involved for the study.
Researchers will record existing brain activity and video tics.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would need to be at least 16 years old and have severe Tourette's Syndrome that hasn't responded well to other treatments. A key part of the study is that you must already have received Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) as part of your regular medical care, specifically using a PERCEPT™ Device. You would also need to have healthy brain scans (MRI) and be part of a social security system.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have severe depression or if your brain MRI shows certain changes. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers cannot take part, nor can anyone who is unable to give their own informed consent, such as those under legal protection like guardianship. If you are already in another research study that prevents participation in others, you would also be excluded.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you at least 16 years old?
Do you have severe Tourette's Syndrome not helped by other treatments?
Have you already had Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery with a PERCEPT™ Device?
Do you have normal brain MRI scans?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Can you give your own consent to participate?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you won't have any new devices implanted. The researchers will use the Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) device you already have. You'll have an evaluation of your brain activity, which involves recording signals from your DBS device while also having a high-resolution video-EEG (electroencephalogram) recording. This second recording uses many sensors placed harmlessly on your scalp to measure brain waves. This will happen some months (between 3 and 48) after your DBS surgery.

During these recordings, the researchers will be looking at how your brain activity changes when you have a tic. They will also ask you to make voluntary movements that are similar to your tics, so they can tell the difference between brain signals for planned movements and those for involuntary tics. The information gathered will then be used to create detailed maps of brain activity.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part include contributing valuable knowledge that could improve future treatments for severe Tourette's, particularly for DBS. This research could lead to more effective and customisable DBS devices. There are minimal direct risks as no new surgery is involved, and the recordings are non-invasive beyond what is typical for DBS follow-up. You always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

CHU de Bordeaux
Verified postcode
Bordeaux, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?

DBS is a treatment for severe Tourette's where small wires are put into the brain. These wires send electrical signals to help control tics.

What are 'biomarkers' in this study?

Biomarkers are specific brain signals or patterns that scientists hope to find, which might tell them when a tic is about to happen.

Will I have any new surgery for this study?

No, you will not have any new surgery. This study only involves people who have already had Deep Brain Stimulation as part of their regular treatment.

How long will I be involved in the study?

The main part of your involvement will be a recording session which takes place several months after your DBS surgery. The exact duration of the session isn't specified but it will involve detailed brain activity measurements.

Who is funding this research?

The information provided does not specify the funding source for this particular study.

How to find out more

Edouard COURTIN, Dr

edouard.courtin@chu-bordeaux.fr 05 57 82 12 42 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.