Distinguishing Tics and Functional Tics Using Clinical Neurophysiological Techniques (NCT07137442) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Distinguishing Tics and Functional Tics Using Clinical Neurophysiological Techniques
United States75 participantsStarted 2026-07-02
Plain-language summary
Background:
Tics are involuntary movements and vocalizations. Some tics are organic: They are related to diagnosed disorders. Sometimes tics have other causes, such as problems with how the brain and body send and receive messages. These are called functional tics. It can be difficult to tell the difference between these 2 types of tics. Doctors need to know more so they can make more accurate diagnoses.
Objective:
To learn more about the difference between functional and organic tics.
Eligibility:
Adults aged 18 to 80 years who have a tic that causes involuntary movements. Healthy volunteers with no tics are also needed.
Design:
Participants will have one 4-hour clinic visit. The visit may be done in 1 or 2 days. Participants will refrain from consuming alcohol or caffeine before the visit. They may have a physical exam.
Participants will wear two types of sensors:
Electromyography (EMG): Adhesive disks with sensors will be attached to the skin above some muscles. These disks will record electricity in the muscles as the participant moves.
Electroencephalography (EEG): Sensors will be placed on the participant s scalp. The sensors may be adhered directly, or the participant may wear an electrode cap. The sensors will detect brain waves.
Participants will rest while seated in a chair. Their involuntary tics will be monitored with the EMG and EEG. Then they will be asked to make movements to mimic their tics. Healthy volunteers will also rest; then they will be asked to perform movements that mimic tics.
Participants will have their blink reflex tested. EMG sensors will be placed on the muscles near the eyes. Electrical pulses will be used to stimulate blinking.
Participants will answer questionnaires about their tics and their health....
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 80 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
* INCLUSION CRITERIA:
In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
* Capacity to provide informed consent (self-consent)
* Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study
* Male or female, aged 18-80
* Agreement to adhere to Lifestyle Considerations prior to and during the physiological testing visit.
Inclusion criteria for patients with functional tics or tics
\- Diagnosed with functional motor tics or motor tics
Inclusion criteria for healthy controls
\- Have no neurological or psychiatric disorders established by history and physical/neurological examination
EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
* Self-reported consumption of \>14 alcoholic drinks/week\* for a man and \>7 alcoholic drinks/week for a woman
* Use of prescription drugs and other illicit drugs that may suppress tics such as dopamine blocking agents and antipsychotics during a certain time period prior to the
neurophysiological testing session.\*\*
* Clinically significant abnormal movements on neurological examination except for tics.
* Contraindications to EEG or EMG procedures, including skin lesions at electrode sites or hypersensitivity to electrode materials.
* History of or current brain tumor, stroke, head trauma with loss of consciousness.
* Epilepsy or seizures in the past 12 months.
* Have a Baclofen pump, or have neurostimulators for pain.
* Pregnant women
* Self-reported current major depre…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This study is measuring something called 'beta power at the vertex' to distinguish between regular tics and functional tics — can you explain what that means, and whether understanding which type of tics I have could change my treatment plan?
2Since this trial is labeled 'Phase NA,' it sounds more like a diagnostic or observational study rather than a treatment trial — does that mean there's no experimental treatment involved, and what exactly would I be asked to do if I participated?
3The study is trying to tell the difference between regular tics and functional tics using brain activity measurements — do you think my tics might be functional, and could taking part in this study help clarify my diagnosis?
4If this study helps identify whether my tics are functional or neurological in origin, how might that change the therapies or medications you'd recommend for me going forward?
5Are there any risks or discomforts involved in the neurophysiological tests used in this study, such as the brain activity recordings, that I should know about before deciding whether to discuss enrollment with you?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Cortical excitability as determined by beta power at the vertex
Timeframe: 2 days
Trial details
NCT IDNCT07137442
SponsorNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)