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Distinguishing Tics and Functional Tics Using Clinical Neurophysiological Techniques

NCT07137442 · Status: RECRUITING · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 75

Last updated 2026-05-22

No results posted yet for this study

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....

Conditions

  • Tics
  • Functional Tics

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

    lead NIH

Principal Investigators

  • Debra J Ehrlich, M.D. · National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
80 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-05-27
Primary Completion
2034-08-01
Completion
2034-08-01

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07137442 on ClinicalTrials.gov