In the past few years, a number of doctors have placed stimulators in the brains of a number of people with Tourette syndrome, generally with good results. The aim of this study is to look scientifically at this process in around 20 patients to examine whether deep brain stimulation is likely to be a useful and well-tolerated operation for people with severe Tourette syndrome.

This study is aimed at adults who have severe Tourette syndrome and who have found that conventional treatments, such as drugs, do not control their symptoms sufficiently or cannot be tolerated. Patients will be recruited from dedicated Tourette clinics in London and Birmingham.

Entry criteria are as follows;

1) The participant must be adult with stable Tourette syndrome.

2) The participant must have a chronic and severe tic disorder with severe functional impairment, with a Yale Tourette Severity Scale score of at least 35/55 for at least 12 months prior to surgery.

3) The participant must have failed conventional medical treatment at therapeutic doses of three classes of medication.

4) The participant must not be suitable for behavioural intervention or that this intervention is inappropriate or unsuccessful.

5) The participant must have been on stable and optimised treatment of co-morbid conditions for at least 6 months.

6) The participant must be actively involved with and compliant with any psychosocial interventions.

Exclusion criteria are:

1) The tic disorder is attributable to any other condition.

2) Any other disorders that substantially increase the risk of a failed procedure or that would significantly impede recovery.

3) Psychosocial factors which might impede operative and post-operative care and research participation.

4) Pregnancy.

5) Participant under 20 years old.

If you want to participate in this trial, please contact:

Chief Investigator:

Dr Hugh Rickards

Consultant Neuropsychiatrist

Department of Neuropsychiatry

Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

The Barberry

25 Vincent Drive

Birmingham B15 2FG

United Kingdom

Email hugh.rickards@bsmhft.nhs.uk

Tel 0121 301 2316

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