NCT06847165 · University of California, Los Angeles
Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation for Children With Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
(TNS-PAE)
What this study is about
This is an where both patients and doctors know the treatment given trial of trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) for children aged 8-12 years with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) putatively due to prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). TNS has been successful in treating pediatric ADHD generally and it is US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared for this condition.
View original scientific description
This is an open-label trial of trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) for children aged 8-12 years with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) putatively due to prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). TNS has been successful in treating pediatric ADHD generally and it is US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared for this condition. But this will be the first time it is tried for ADHD specifically associated with PAE. In TNS, a weak electric current is applied to the child's forehead overnight while sleeping to gently stimulate the brain. TNS is administered at home by the parent to the child. TNS is safe and well tolerated. Efficacy of TNS in ADHD is \~50%. The purpose of the present pilot study is to determine the feasibility of TNS for children with PAE and ADHD. Feasibility means safety (any serious side effects?), tolerability (do children comply with TNS? are they comfortable with it?), and a rough idea of efficacy (does TNS seem to work in most kids?) A secondary goal of the study is to get a more precise idea of brain mechanisms of TNS with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Families who participate will make three clinic visits: eligibility (4-5 hours), pre-TNS (2-3 hours including MRI), and post-TNS (2-3 hours including MRI). Children will receive TNS, applied by the parent, for 8 hours every night while sleeping for 4 weeks. Four weeks after treatment, families will take part in a telephone follow-up, to see whether any improvements made last.
Interventions
DEVICE
Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation (TNS)
In TNS, a weak electric current is applied to the child's forehead overnight while sleeping to gently stimulate the brain. TNS treatment is typically administered at home at bedtime by the parent to the child. The TNS device is small (size of a cell phone) and easy to use. Two thin wires go from the device to a pair of small electrodes that tape onto the forehead like a band-aid. The parent presses three keys on the device and it is ready to go.
Primary outcome measures
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Rating Scale Total Score
Time frame: administered at baseline and up to 1 week after completing 4 weeks of trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) treatment
clinician-administered measure of severity of core ADHD symptoms: inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity; minimum score 0, maximum score 40, a higher score means a worse outcome
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- \- Fetal alcohol syndrome, partial fetal alcohol syndrome, or alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder per modified Institute of Medicine criteria (thus positive maternal drinking in pregnancy required, facial stigmata not required)
- Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) \>6 drinks/week for \>= 2 weeks and/or \>= 3 drinks on \>= 2 occasions throughout gestation per Health Interview for Women/Health Interview for Adoptive and Foster Parents (HIW/HIAFP)
- Diagnosis of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th edition (DSM-5) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including problems with inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and/or executive function. Screening for ADHD will be done using the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Teacher and Parent Rating Scale (SNAP IV). Formal diagnosis of ADHD will be based on the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI-KID) with input from the Behavior Rating of Executive Function (BRIEF II) and the Conners 4.
- Parent and child able to complete testing in English
- Child able to cooperate during MRI
- Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient \>70 per the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (K-BIT-2)
- Child able to comply with study procedures
Exclusion criteria
- \- Other toxic exposure per HIW/HIAFP whose influence clearly surpasses that of alcohol (very rare) per study clinician judgement
- Known genetic syndrome associated with ADHD-like symptoms including fragile X, tuberous sclerosis, or generalized resistance to thyroid hormone
- Serious medical or neurologic illness likely to influence brain function, e.g., seizures, closed-head trauma
- Gestation \< 34 weeks
- Ferromagnetic metal, claustrophobia, or other MRI or TNS contraindication (e.g., insulin pumps or other body-worn devices)
- Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, psychotic disorder, or major mood disorder
- Active suicidal ideation as evidenced by meeting criteria for "Current" or "Lifetime attempt" on the Suicidality module or "Current' or 'In early remission' on the Suicide Behavior Disorder module of the MINI KID
Where
- Los Angeles, California
Collaborators
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 1, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations