People living with Tourette's can now benefit from a new device that has been developed using research from the University of Nottingham.
University of Nottingham spin-out company Neurotherapuetics Ltd have launched the Neupulse C wellness wrist device. The device provides gentle non-invasive stimulation to support calm and relaxation during moments of restlessness or physical tension.
The science behind the device was developed by experts in the School of Psychology who used repetitive trains of electrical stimulation to the median nerve (MNS) at the wrist to entrain rhythmic electrical brain activity - known as brain oscillations - associated with the suppression of movements. They found that rhythmic MNS substantially reduces tic frequency and tic intensity, and removes the urge-to-tic, in individuals with Tourette's.
Professor Stephen Jackson has led this research and explains: "This research came about around 20 years ago, after talking to a lot of people with Tourette Syndrome with tic disorders we found they wanted a non-drug treatment that was safe and effective and that they could use at home."
Clinical trials of a prototype device revealed that people who received active stimulation experienced a significant reduction in the severity and frequency of their tics. On average, they saw a reduction in tic frequency of more than 25% while they received stimulation.
After using the device for 4 weeks, people who received active stimulation experienced a reduction in their tic severity of more than 35%. In total, 59% of the people who received active stimulation experienced a reduction in tic severity of at least 25% compared to baseline.
This research was used to develop the Neupulse C wellness device that can be worn at home and be used to provide relaxation. It is controlled by the individual via an app where the device can be set up and managed giving the user full control. Users also have access to one-on-one video consultations, device and app support and an exclusive member community.
Alongside the launch of the Neupulse C, Neurotherapeutics Ltd is continuing to progress through the regulatory pathway for its medical device, Neupulse M, which builds on the same underlying research and technology.
15-year-old Katie Margree has been using the device to help with her Tourette's symptoms. She has experienced tics since she was 8 years old and they affect her movement, which has made certain situations, particularly in school challenging. Swallowing related tics can also cause her anxiety at mealtimes.
She said: "Using the device has allowed me to attend and remain in class more frequently. I can also attend assemblies and sit with my friends which is a big thing for me when previously going to school has been such a challenge. The device has removed so much anxiety and worry about my tics so I can now enjoy everyday activities like going to school, using public transport, going to the cinema.
"I also love to perform in dancing and musical theatre production and in a performance in August, I incorporated the device into my costume."
15-year-old Oliver Elliott also used the device after seeing the research featured in the film I Swear, which showed Tourette's campaigner John Davison taking part in the University research trial.
Oliver has been experiencing tics for almost 2 years that affect neck movements making it difficult for him to eat, drink, sleep, read and write.
The device helped massively by reducing my tics so I could go back to my normal activities and hobbies. The feeling of wearing the device is quite calm and peaceful, it's a little like a heartbeat. I've been able to eat and drink with ease and in public I've been comfortable eating and drinking, I've also been able to start to rejoin education due to the device
Oliver's mum Sarah adds: "When Ollie received his Neupulse device, the impact was immediate. Ollie has functional tics, and for him Neupulse works almost like an on/off switch. When he wears it, his movements reduce dramatically. When it is removed, the tics return instantly and with the same severity as before.
The difference this has made to Ollie and to our family has been life changing. It has given us a part of Ollie back. On the day the device arrived, we went out for a birthday meal and, for the first time in a long time, he was able to eat, drink and enjoy the experience with us as a family.
Sarah continues: "Perhaps most importantly, it has allowed us to reconnect in simple but meaningful ways. Being able to give and receive a hug without violent movements getting in the way is something we no longer take for granted."
Seeing research we started in the lab translate into this real impact that is improving people's lives is fantastic. We are now using the knowledge we have into this type of wrist stimulation to apply it to other conditions and are already seeing success in early trials using it with people with Parkinson's.
