Investigating Neurometabolite Changes in Response to Median Nerve Stimulation.

Background: Rhythmic median nerve stimulation (MNS) at 10 Hz has been shown to cause a substantial reduction in tic frequency in individuals with Tourette syndrome. The mechanism of action is currently unknown but is hypothesized to involve entrainment of oscillations within the sensorimotor cortex.

Objective: We used functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy (fMRS) to explore the dynamic effects of MNS on neurometabolite concentrations.

A double-blind, sham-controlled, trial of home-administered rhythmic 10-Hz median nerve stimulation for the reduction of tics, and suppression of the urge-to-tic, in individuals with Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorder.

Tourette syndrome (TS) and chronic tic disorder (CTD) are neurological disorders of childhood onset characterized by the occurrence of tics; repetitive, purposeless, movements or vocalizations of short duration which can occur many times throughout a day. Currently, effective treatment for tic disorders is an area of considerable unmet clinical need. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a home-administered neuromodulation treatment for tics involving the delivery of rhythmic pulse trains of median nerve stimulation (MNS) delivered via a wearable 'watch-like' device worn at the wrist.

Multiple epistatic DNA variants in a single gene affect gene expression in trans.

DNA variants that alter gene expression in trans are important sources of phenotypic variation. Nevertheless, the identity of trans-acting variants remains poorly understood. Single causal variants in several genes have been reported to affect the expression of numerous distant genes in trans.

Non-invasive brain stimulation as therapy: systematic review and recommendations with a focus on the treatment of Tourette syndrome.

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by tics, which are stereotyped movements and/or vocalisations. Tics often cause difficulties in daily life and many with TS express a desire to reduce and/or gain control over them. No singular effective treatment exists for TS, and while pharmacological and behavioural interventions can be effective, the results are variable, and issues relating to access, availability and side effects can be barriers to treatment.