Scalp Acupuncture Treatment for Chronic Tic Disorders in Children

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Scalp Acupuncture Treatment: Acupoint Selection: Baihui (GV20), Sishencong (EX-HN1), Frontal Midline Line (MS1), Vertex Midline Line (MS5), Lateral Line 1 of Vertex (MS7), Shenting (GV24), Yintang (EX-HN3), Shuaigu (GB8) Acupuncture Manipulation: Needles with a diameter of 0.18-0.35 mm and length of 13-25 mm are selected. After routine disinfection of the acupoint skin, the practitioner holds the micro-needle and quickly inserts it into the subcutaneous tissue at an insertion angle of 15°-30°, primarily using superficial horizontal insertion. The insertion depth is maintained at 15-20 mm, adjusted according to the child's head circumference, body size, and body mass. Needles are retained for 30 minutes. Course of treatment: 2 times a week for 12 weeks

Tuina Treatment Group: Prescription: Spleen Meridian (Pi Jing), Small Heavenly Heart (Xiao Tianxin), Five Finger Joints (Wu Zhi Jie), Internal Bagua (Nei Bagua), Hand Yin-Yang (Shou Yin Yang), Upper Three Passes (Shang San Guan), Gushing Spring (Yongquan, KI-1), Leg Three Miles (Zusanli, ST-36) Manipulation Techniques Pushing/Kneading the Spleen Meridian (Tonifying Pi Jing): Tapping Small Heavenly Heart (Xiao Tianxin): Kneading the Five Finger Joints (Wu Zhi Jie): Moving the Internal Bagua (Nei Bagua): Separating Yin and Yang (Separating Shou Yin Yang): Pushing Up the Upper Three Passes (Pushing San Guan): Kneading Gushing Spring (Yongquan, KI-1): Kneading Leg Three Miles (Zusanli, ST-36): 2 times a week for 12 weeks

Study summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if scalp acupuncture works to treat chronic tic disorders (CTD) in children. It will also learn about the safety of scalp acupuncture. The main questions it aims to answer are:

* Does scalp acupuncture improve clinical symptoms and social functioning, and enhance quality of life in children with chronic tic disorders?
* Researchers will compare scalp acupuncture combined with Tuina treatment to Tuina treatment to see if scalp acupuncture treatment works to treat scalp acupuncture.

Participants will:

* Receive scalp acupuncture treatment and Tuina treatment for 2 times per week and last for 12 weeks.
* Receive questionnaire survey using the following scales: the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS), the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) Scale, the Children and Adolescents Quality of Life Scale for Tourette Syndrome (C\&A-GTS-QOL) and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL).

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) — Assessments will be conducted at baseline, during the treatment phase (weeks 4, 8, and 12), and during the follow-up phase (week 24).
  Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) is a standardized instrument designed to assess the severity of tic disorders. It evaluates motor tics and vocal tics separately across five dimensions: frequency, intensity, complexity, interference, and overall severity, with each dimension scored on a scale of 0-5 points. The total scores for motor and vocal tics range from 0-25 points each. Additionally, the YGTSS assesses the overall functional impairment caused by tics in daily life, social interactions, academic performance, and occupational activities, with impairment scores ranging from 0-50 points. Total YGTSS Score is calculated as the sum of motor tic score, vocal tic score, and functional impairment score, yielding a composite score of 0-100 points, where higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.

Trial sites (1)

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