Distinguishing Tics and Functional Tics Using Clinical Neurophysiological Techniques

Part of paid clinical trials in Bethesda, Maryland.

Sponsor
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Study ID
NCT07137442
Status
Recruiting
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Conditions

  • Functional Tics
  • Tics

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
18 Years - 80 Years
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Study Details

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....

Key Dates

Start date
Jun 16, 2026
Status verified
Jun 2026
Primary completion
Aug 1, 2034
Completion
Aug 1, 2034

Study Design

Enrollment
75 participants (estimated)

Arms

  • Arm: Functional Tics
    Individuals with tics as the phenomenology of functional movement disorder. The functional tics convey a condition of tics in which the primary pathophysiological processes are alterations in functioning of brain networks rather than abnormalities of brain structures.
  • Arm: Healthy controls
    Participants without tics or other neurological or active psychiatric disorders.
  • Arm: Tics
    A tic is a sudden, brief and repetitive motor movement or vocalization that is not rhythmic and involves discrete muscle groups.

Primary Outcome Measure

Cortical excitability as determined by beta power at the vertex [ Time Frame: 2 days ]

Central Contacts

Locations (1)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
National Institutes of Health Clinical CenterBethesdaMaryland20892
NIH Clinical Center Office of Patient Recruitment (OPR)
[email protected]
800-411-1222

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By research site
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center· Bethesda, MD

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