# Defining Targets for Tic Detection and Suppression in Tourette Syndrome Deep Brain Stimulation

> **NIH NIH UH3** · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · 2021 · $871,996

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Tourette syndrome (TS) is a continuous lifelong condition that is highly prevalent, socially disabling, and in some severe
cases, physically injurious. DBS has emerged as a promising treatment option for addressing uncontrollable tics in medically
resistant and severe cases of TS frequently involving self-injurious behavior. We have undertaken a major informatics
initiative by establishing the International TS DBS Registry and Database, a multi-country consortium that has captured long
term outcomes of 277 TS DBS patients representing 50-75% of all TS DBS cases worldwide. From these outcomes, two
deep brain targets have emerged as potentially effective: the centromedian nucleus region (CM) of the thalamus, and the
anterior globus pallidus internus (aGPi). However, our current understanding of tic generation is limited by many factors
including a lack of animal models for TS, apparently normal brain structure on structural imaging, and the impracticality of
studying involuntary motor tics with functional imaging. Next generation closed-loop DBS systems can record brain activity
in patients with TS and identify the neurophysiological correlates of tics. Moreover, these devices can deliver stimulation in
response to a patient's symptomatic state. Our overall goal is to develop neurophysiology driven and connectivity-guided
closed-loop DBS systems for the improved treatment of TS. To this end, we will implant 8 medically resistant TS patients
with bilateral leads in the CM and aGPi. In Aim 1, we will identify structural network projections from CM and aGPi to guide
pre-operative surgical planning and post-operative selection of stimulation parameters. In Aim 2, we will identify
neurophysiologic correlates of tic genesis in the CM and aGPi. We will also study thalamo-pallidal network interactions
leading to and during tics. In Aim 3, we will test the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of closed-loop TS DBS. We expect that
closed-loop stimulation will provide more effective and personalized treatment options with longer battery life and fewer
adverse effects.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10290544
- **Project number:** 1UH3NS119844-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- **Principal Investigator:** CHRISTOPHER R BUTSON
- **Activity code:** UH3 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $871,996
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-09-30 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10290544

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10290544, Defining Targets for Tic Detection and Suppression in Tourette Syndrome Deep Brain Stimulation (1UH3NS119844-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10290544. Licensed CC0.

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