Tourette syndrome is often spoken about but rarely understood, and that gap in awareness shapes the lives of thousands of families across the UK. A recent BBC report has provided insight into a watch‑like device called Neupulse that is aimed at reducing tics through stimulation of the median nerve. One of the first in the UK to use this device is Millie, who is 13 years old and the impact has been immediate and deeply significant.
Millie first developed tics when she was around seven or eight years old. Like many children with Tourette syndrome, her symptoms fluctuated over time, sometimes barely noticeable and other times intrusive. At the start of this year, her tics intensified dramatically. To the point where she was pulling out her hair from the root and repeatedly striking her arms. This escalation left her anxious, exhausted and increasingly limited in what she felt able to do.
Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental condition involving both motor and vocal tics that typically begin between five and ten years old. Although coprolalia is often portrayed as the defining symptom, it affects only a minority of people Most tics are far more subtle: blinking, throat clearing, shoulder movements or brief vocal sounds. Yet stigma remains widespread, and misunderstanding can make everyday environments more challenging than the tics themselves.
When the Neupulse device is turned on, Millie’s coprolalia tics stop and her anxiety surrounding her tics is minimised, allowing her to take part in experiences that she once found overwhelming before the device. Neupulse costs £500 plus a monthly subscription of £20 to cover any updates and gel pads used with the device. For Millie and her family, the change has been transformative.
Neupulse was developed by Prof Stephen Jackson and his team at the University of Nottingham. As he explained to the BBC, the device was created in direct response to what people with Tourette syndrome said they needed: a safe, effective, non‑drug treatment they could use at home to manage their tics. That need reflects a wider reality. Although Tourette syndrome affects an estimated 0.3–1% of children, access to specialist support remains inconsistent across the UK. Boys are diagnosed more frequently than girls, with ratios around 3–4:1, and many young people also experience conditions such as ADHD, OCD, anxiety or autism, which often have a greater impact on daily life than the tics themselves. Stress, fatigue and illness can temporarily worsen symptoms, which helps explain why Millie’s tics intensified during a difficult period earlier this year.
Diagnosis is clinical rather than based on tests, and families typically move through GP referrals, paediatric assessments and CAMHS involvement. Behavioural therapies such as CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics) are considered the most effective non‑drug treatment, but access to trained clinicians is limited. Medication is available for severe cases, though many families prefer non‑pharmacological options due to side effects.
In schools and workplaces, simple adjustments can make a significant difference: permission to move, extra time in exams, quiet spaces, predictable routines and clear communication between staff and families. These changes help reduce anxiety, which in turn can reduce tic severity. Yet many families still report long waits for support, limited awareness among professionals and a lack of specialist tic services.
Neupulse represents a new tool that may help some people manage their symptoms more comfortably. Early users like Millie show how quickly confidence can return when tics are reduced and anxiety is eased. For many young people, adolescence is the most challenging period, and symptoms often improve in late teens or adulthood. With the right support, people with Tourette syndrome lead full, successful lives, and emerging technologies may offer additional options for those who need them.
Tourette syndrome does not define a person’s future. What makes the biggest difference is understanding, access to support and treatments that reflect the real needs of families. Millie’s experience with Neupulse is one example of how research and lived experience can come together to create meaningful change.
