A new wrist-worn electronic device is transforming the life of a teenager living with Tourette syndrome by significantly reducing his involuntary movements, allowing him to return to everyday activities.
The device, called Neupulse C, uses gentle electrical stimulation of the median nerve in the wrist to help reduce the frequency and intensity of tics associated with Tourette syndrome.
Fifteen-year-old Oliver Elliott had been experiencing severe symptoms that made ordinary activities such as eating, drinking, sleeping and writing extremely difficult. His condition also kept him away from school for several months and affected his social life.
Device Reduces Around 95 Percent of Teenager’s Tics
Since starting to use the wrist device, Oliver has reported that approximately 95 percent of his tics have disappeared while wearing it.
The improvement has allowed him to enjoy meals, return to hobbies and gradually resume his education. His mother described the change as life-changing for the entire family.
However, his symptoms return when he removes the device, meaning it helps manage the condition rather than permanently cure it.
How Does the Technology Work?
The Neupulse device delivers gentle, rhythmic electrical pulses to the median nerve in the wrist. Researchers believe this stimulation influences brain activity associated with controlling involuntary movements.
The technology was developed by researchers at the University of Nottingham, led by Professor Stephen Jackson, through research into non-drug treatments for people with Tourette syndrome.
Clinical Trials Show Promising Results
Earlier clinical research involving people with Tourette syndrome found that the prototype reduced tic frequency by approximately 25 percent initially, increasing to more than 35 percent after four weeks.
The findings also showed that 59 percent of participants experienced at least a 25 percent reduction in tic severity.
A medical version, Neupulse M, is currently undergoing regulatory assessment in the United Kingdom.
Researchers hope the technology could provide another option for people seeking non-drug approaches to managing Tourette syndrome.
