Neural Correlates of Sensory Phenomena in Tourette Syndrome

Launched by VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · Apr 11, 2019

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, titled "Neural Correlates of Sensory Phenomena in Tourette Syndrome," is investigating how people with Tourette Syndrome (TS) experience heightened sensitivity to everyday sensations, known as sensory over-responsivity (SOR). The goal is to better understand the brain mechanisms behind this response, which can significantly affect quality of life for those living with TS. Adults aged 18 and older who have a diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome or other chronic tic disorders are encouraged to participate. Those interested will complete a series of questionnaires and undergo tests that monitor brain activity and responses to sounds and touch.

To be eligible, participants must be fluent in English and able to complete the surveys. However, individuals with certain neurological or psychiatric conditions, like autism or schizophrenia, will not be included to ensure clearer results. Participants will not be allowed to use certain medications or recreational substances before the tests. The study is currently recruiting, and it offers an opportunity for those with TS to contribute to important research that may lead to a better understanding of their condition.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion criteria for TS arm:
• • Diagnosis of Tourette syndrome or other chronic tic disorder
• • ≥ 18 years of age
• • Ability to complete survey instruments
• • English fluency (given that all scales are validated in English)
• Exclusion criteria for TS arm:
• • - Known diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, cerebral palsy, other significant neurologic disease, schizophrenia, or psychotic disorders will be excluded, in order to lessen potentially confounding factors.
• • (Note: Patients with OCD, ADHD, anxiety, and/or depression will be permitted, given that these diagnoses are widely prevalent in the adult TS population.)
• • Use of anti-seizure medications, stimulants, or other psychotropic medications known to alter EEG signal
• • Recreational substance use within past 30 days
• Inclusion criteria for healthy control arm:
• • ≥ 18 years of age AND age within 5 years of a participant in the TS arm of same biological sex (for purposes of age- and sex-matching)
• • Ability to complete survey instruments
• • English fluency (given that all scales are validated in English)
• Exclusion criteria for healthy control arm:
• • Any neurologic or psychiatric diagnoses
• • History of tics
• • Use of any psychotropic medications within the past 30 days
• • Recreational substance use within past 30 days