San Francisco, CANCT07839377Now EnrollingIRB Ready

Tic Disorder Clinical Trial in San Francisco, CA

Access cutting-edge tic disorder treatment through this clinical trial at a research site in San Francisco. Study-provided care at no cost to qualified participants.

Sponsored by University of California, San Francisco

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Expert Care in San Francisco

Access tic disorder specialists at no cost

IRB Approved

This study follows strict safety protocols and ethical guidelines

No-Cost Care

All study-related tic disorder treatment provided free

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Check if you qualify for this tic disorder clinical trial in San Francisco, CA

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Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

Why Participate?

  • No-Cost Study Care

  • Local to San Francisco

    Convenient for CA residents

  • Cutting-Edge Treatment

    Access to innovative therapies

  • Expert Medical Care

    Close monitoring by specialists

  • Possible Compensation*

    For time and travel

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Simple Process

  1. 1Submit this form
  2. 2Phone screening
  3. 3Visit San Francisco site if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Tic Disorder Study in San Francisco

This project investigates safety, tolerability, and efficacy signals of accelerated continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS), a form of inhibitory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), for patients with Tourette Syndrome and chronic tic disorders (CTD). It integrates resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) to assess changes in brain circuits and neurophysiology. CTD are neurodevelopmental disorders marked by motor and/or vocal tics, associated with dysfunction in cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) networks, particularly the supplementary motor area (SMA), primary motor cortex (M1), and connected regions. While low-frequency rTMS has shown preliminary benefits in pediatric populations, circuit-targeted approaches remain relatively unexplored in children, adolescents and adults, leaving no consensus about optimal applications. Participants will be randomized to receive 50 sessions of 1800 pulses of cTBS rTMS over two weeks, with five sessions/day targeting the SMA or M1. Assessments will include the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) and MRI. Aim 1 Determine if cTBS to the M1 can reduce CTD symptoms and normalize abnormal network connectivity within the Somato-Cognitive Action Network (SCAN). Aim 2 Determine if cTBS to the SMA can reduce symptoms of CTD and normalize abnormal network connectivity within the Action Mode Network (AMN).

Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

Outpatients
Ages 15 - 35 years old
Meets DSM-5 criteria for persistent (chronic) vocal/motor tic disorder or Tourette's syndrome with screening YGTSS score ≥ 20 (moderate or greater severity).
Moderate severity or intolerable side effects with at least one prior trial of an evidence-based anti-tic medication.
Stable on chronic psychotropic medications and/or therapy for 6 weeks prior to the study and agreeable to continue current treatments without change throughout the study.
Participants may continue to take medications and record daily usage throughout the study.
Capacity to provide informed assent or consent and parent or legal guardian able to provide consent for minors.
Ability to tolerate clinical study procedures.
Successfully complete the screening forms without any contraindications.

Exclusion Criteria

Psychiatric: history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance /alcohol abuse disorder, current elevated suicide risk, prior psychosurgery.
Neurologic: severe neurocognitive disorder, seizure disorder, certain structural brain lesions (e.g., intracranial mass lesions, TBI, hydrocephalus, sequelae of meningitis, frank brain injury).
TMS contraindications: implanted device; presence of metal in the head, including eyes and ears (excluding dental implants); certain tics.
Subjects with an unstable physical, systemic, or metabolic disorder (e.g., unstable hypertension; malnutrition).
Females who are pregnant or nursing (as determined by a questionnaire and urine pregnancy test).
Inability to complete the research protocol as determined by the Principal Investigator.

Not sure if you qualify? Submit your interest and a study coordinator will help determine your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is this study available in San Francisco?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT07839377) has an active research site in San Francisco, CA that is currently enrolling participants.

Q:Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. This study has been reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals. You can withdraw at any time.

Q:Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time and travel expenses. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is provided at no cost.

Q:Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

Still have questions? Our study coordinators are here to help.

Tic Disorder Treatment Options in San Francisco, CA

If you're searching for tic disorder treatment options in San Francisco, CA, this clinical trial (NCT07839377) may be an excellent opportunity. Clinical trials provide access to cutting-edge treatments that aren't yet available to the general public, often at no cost to participants.

Our San Francisco research site is actively enrolling participants for this clinical trial. You'll receive care from experienced tic disorder specialists who are at the forefront of medical research. All study-related care, including examinations, treatments, and monitoring, is provided at no cost to qualified participants.

Looking for more options? Browse all tic disorder clinical trials near you to find additional studies recruiting in your area.

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Secure · Expert Care · San Francisco, CA