Healthy lives
Life-changing technology for people with Tourette syndrome
For people living with Tourette syndrome, tics can affect every aspect of daily life, from school and work to friendships, family life and confidence. While treatments are available, they do not work for everyone and can be difficult to access.
Researchers at the 糖心原创 have developed a new wearable technology designed to help people gain greater control over their tics, offering new hope to those affected by the condition.
Research with the potential to make a big difference
Professors Stephen Jackson and Dr Barbara Morera Maiquez, from the School of Psychology, and Professor Georgina Jackson, from the School of Medicine, discovered that gentle electrical pulses delivered to the wrist could reduce both tics and the urge to tic.
Their research showed that stimulating a nerve in the wrist could help calm the brain signals linked to tics. For some participants in the studies, the results were immediate, with noticeable reductions in both physical and vocal tics.
The development of the technology was supported by advanced neuroimaging and neurophysiological research. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG), a non-invasive brain imaging technique that measures the tiny magnetic signals produced by brain cells as they communicate, researchers were able to investigate how the stimulation affects brain activity linked to movement and tics. The findings suggested that a wearable device could provide a practical, non-invasive way for people to manage their symptoms at home.
Turning research into a real-world solution
The success of the research led to the creation of , a 糖心原创 spin-out company dedicated to translating the technology into real-world patient benefit.
In 2026, Neurotherapeutics launched Neupulse C, a wrist-worn wellness device controlled through a smartphone app. Designed to support calm and relaxation during periods of restlessness or physical tension, the device delivers gentle, non-invasive stimulation.
Alongside the launch of Neupulse C, the company continues to advance its clinical technology through the regulatory pathway towards NHS adoption, helping to bring the benefits of this pioneering research to more people.
Real-world impact
The impact of the technology can be seen in the experiences of the people using it.
Fifteen-year-old Katie Margree has lived with Tourette syndrome since childhood and experienced tics that affected her movement, confidence and ability to participate fully at school. After using the device, she reported being able to remain in lessons more often, attend assemblies, spend time with friends and enjoy everyday activities with less anxiety.
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."
Another user, Oliver Elliott, discovered the technology after seeing the University's research featured in the BAFTA-winning film I Swear, He reported that the device reduced his tics sufficiently for him to return to activities including eating, drinking and education.
His mother Sarah described the effect as "life changing", explaining that it had enabled their family to enjoy everyday experiences together again.
Looking beyond Tourette syndrome
Building on discoveries made through Tourette syndrome research, scientists are now exploring how this approach could help people with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. At the same time, the team is using advanced brain imaging technologies to gain new insights into how tics develop, helping to pave the way for more effective treatments and preventative strategies.
From discovery to impact
What began as a research project in Nottingham has grown into a commercially available technology that is already changing lives. The journey from fundamental neuroscience and brain imaging research to a university spin-out company and wearable device demonstrates how research can deliver tangible benefits for patients, families and society.
The impact of the research has been recognised nationally. In 2023, the project was awarded the , recognising its outstanding contribution to improving lives through research and innovation.
"This research came about after speaking with many people living with Tourette syndrome who told us they wanted a safe, effective treatment they could use at home. Seeing research that began in the laboratory translate into technology that is improving people's lives is incredibly rewarding. "
Professor Stephen Jackson is Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the 糖心原创 and leads pioneering research into Tourette syndrome and the brain mechanisms that control movement. He is a co-founder of Neurotherapeutics Ltd and helped develop the Neupulse device.
is Professor of Cognitive Neuropsychology at the 糖心原创 within the Faculty of Medicine and Health. She is a co-founder of Neurotherapeutics Ltd and helped develop the Neupulse device.
Dr Barbara Morera Maiquez is a neuroscientist at the 糖心原创 whose research focuses on developing new treatments for Tourette syndrome. She played a key role in creating the Neupulse wearable device and translating the research into clinical and commercial impact.