Neuromodulation of Inhibitory Control in Tic Disorders
Tic Disorders
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Tic Disorders focused on measuring Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation, Tic disorders, Tourette syndrome, Inhibition, Tic control
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- adults who aged 18-50 years;
- Diagnosis of Tic disorders
Exclusion Criteria:
- Presence of contraindication to tVNS (history of epilepsy in the last two years, severe brain trauma; presence of metal in the brain/skull or implanted neurostimulator, cardiac pacemaker; state of pregnancy);
- Recent changes in drugs therapy due to the intake of or the withdrawal from some drugs potentially changing the seizure threshold;
- Presence of comorbidity with an important medical condition;
- Severe sensorial, motor and/or behavioural problems that could interfere with the tasks
Sites / Locations
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea,
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Active Comparator
Sham Comparator
Active tVNS
Sham tVNS
In the active tVNS session, tVNS will be delivered via a programmable stimulation unit connected to two titan ear electrodes mounted on a gel frame. Active tVNS will be delivered over the cymba conchae of the left ear for a 70 minutes session. Stimulation intensity will be set at an intensity corresponding to individual sensitivity threshold. The intensity of the stimulation will be gradually increased in order to reach the intensity of stimulation with a ramping-up phase of 30 secs. During the stimulation, participants will perform the tasks. At the end of the stimulation session participants will be asked to report possible side effects occurring during tVNS and to rate their feeling on several visual analogue scales.
In the sham tVNS session tVNS will be delivered via a programmable stimulation unit connected to two titan ear electrodes mounted on a gel frame. Sham tVNS will be delivered over the left lobe auricle area, which is free from cutaneous vagal innervation. It will last 70 minutes. Stimulation intensity will be set at the intensity corresponding to the individual sensitivity threshold, as it will be defined on the left ear lobe. The intensity of the stimulation will be gradually increased to reach the intensity of the stimulation with a ramping up phase of 30 secs. During the sham stimulation, the tasks will be performed. At the end of the stimulation session participants will be asked to report possible side effects occurring during tVNS and to rate their feeling on several visual analogue scales.