Solutions

The direction of our current research was very much shaped by the feedback we received from individuals with tic disorders and their families.

When we asked them for their thoughts on our research priorities we were frequently told that what was really needed was a safe and effective non-drug treatment for tic disorder that could be used outside of the clinic and gave individuals control over their tics. This led directly to us focusing on the use of peripheral nerve stimulation as a means of bringing about changes in the brain networks associated with the production of tics.

We demonstrated that delivering rhythmic patterns of mild electrical stimulation to the median nerve at the wrist could be used to increase the power and the synchronicity of the brain oscillations (rhythms) associated with the suppression of movements, and that this type of stimulation was sufficient to dramatically reduce the frequency of tics and remove the urge-to-tic in individuals with tic disorders.

Importantly, we also showed that this type of stimulation did not materially affect the execution of volitional (intentional) movements or impair cognitive functions such as attention.

“All previous treatments that I have tried for Tourette Syndrome over the last 20+ years have been unsuccessful, and using the clinical trial stimulation device has provided me with the most successful and positive effects on my Tourette Syndrome of any treatment to date.

Over the four weeks using the device my daily average number of tics were reduced , my urge to tic was also drastically reduced, and I had a general constant feeling of calmness throughout my body with no unwanted side effects.”

Mrs Trudi Atkinson

Participant in the UK clinical trial

Under Development

Neutrack App

We are working on the development of a phone app that will monitor Tourette syndrome clinical symptoms over time as well as some external factors that may influence these symptoms.

We are developing this App with the aim to helping people with Tourette syndrome:

Get a better insight and understanding of the symptoms associated with their Tourette syndrome

Allow them to learn which external factors trigger symptoms and which alleviate them

Provide reliable evidence of symptoms to present to their health care professional

We also hope that this app will assist clinicians with more reliable symptom management and treatment planning for their patients.

Throughout the development process of this app, we have held focus groups that included: carers of children with Tourette syndrome; teenagers and adults with Tourette syndrome; and healthcare professionals to help us develop the very best app.

Under development

Wearable wrist device

In a UK-wide double-blind sham-controlled clinical trial, we have established the positive impact of home administration of median nerve stimulation in reducing both the frequency and severity of tics in individuals with Tourette syndrome.

We are now dedicating our efforts to the development of a commercially available wearable wrist device that administers median nerve stimulation at the press of a button with the aim to empower individuals with Tourette syndrome to manage their symptoms effectively and have control over their tics.

"It's an approach that helped lower the intensity and frequency of my tics without any of the side effects I have had in the past from the different medications I have tried that just didn't seem to work.

Within the first week of using the device I began to notice a difference in my tic intensity and even in the first (couple of) weeks after I stopped using the device, I still felt there was a significant decrease in intensity and frequency."

Heather

Participant in the UK clinical trial

Frequently Asked Questions

An important focus of our research has been to understand how the brain networks - that give rise to tics - could be effectively modified or controlled using non-invasive forms of brain stimulation to reduce tics.

When will the Neupulse device be available?

We are aiming to launch the device called ‘Neupulse’ in 2026 following regulatory approval ensuring its compliance to all relevant safety, quality and regulatory requirements.

How can the device be purchased?

The device and associated accessories will be available to purchase via our website in each country / region once we have received regulatory approval there.

How will the device work?

The device delivers a pattern of electrical pulses to the underside of the wrist which can be activated on demand. The stimulation interacts with the nerves and parts of the brain which cause tics. Neupulse provides relief and a way to manage the symptoms and discomfort associated with tics.

Is the stimulation suitable to everybody?

Our research has been conducted on individuals from the age of 12 years old and over and the data shows the stimulation is effective however it may not be suitable for everyone and is contraindicated for some medical conditions.

What is the success rate of the stimulation?

The UK-wide double-blind sham-controlled clinical trial of the Neupulse device for suppressing tics in Tourette syndrome run by Neupulse, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Nottingham showed that people who received active stimulation experienced a significant reduction in the severity and frequency of their tics. On average they saw a reduction in tic frequency of more than 25% while they received stimulation.

After using the device for 4 weeks, people who received active stimulation experienced a reduction in their tic severity of more than 35%. In total 59% of the people who received active stimulation experienced a reduction in tic severity of at least 25% compared to baseline.

Can we take part in research?

Residents in the United Kingdom can sign up to our Research Mailing List to express their interest in participating in our research.

Please note that there is no guarantee of being recruited to participate in our research.

We currently only have ethics approval to conduct research on participants who reside in the UK. This may change in the future as we expand so please keep an eye on our website for updates.