Tourette SyndromeNCT05115318
The Effect of Medical Cannabis on Tics, Premonitory Urge and Psychiatric Comorbidity in Adults With Tourette Syndrome
An observational study of Tourette Syndrome and Cannabis, run by Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center at 1 site in Israel.
Trial summary
Medical cannabis (MC) is a standard treatment in Israel to adults with resistant Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS). While small randomized control trials assessed THC efficacy on tics and premonitory urge, only small retrospective studies assessed MC efficacy and tolerability in GTS. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Tourette Syndrome, Cannabis
- What is being tested?
- Medical Cannabis
- How many people
- 18 participants
- Where
- 1 siteIsrael
- Study dates
- 1 Jul 2020to 31 Mar 2021
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: Adult patients with resistant Tourette syndrome
Who may be able to join
- Age 18 - 65 years
- Diagnosis of GTS confirmed by the treating neurologist based on the DSM-V criteria
- Eligibility to receive MOH MC license for GTS
- Provided written informed consent
Who cannot join
- Regularly use cannabis in any form for self-medication prior to entering the study
- Pregnant or lactating women
- Have a tic disorder other than GTS
- Have concurrent physical or mental disease that could interfere with the study
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Medical cannabis (MC) is a standard treatment in Israel to adults with resistant Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS). While small randomized control trials assessed THC efficacy on tics and premonitory urge, only small retrospective studies assessed MC efficacy and tolerability in GTS. Herein, By using an open-label, prospective design, our aim is to determine the preferred method of use, efficacy and tolerability of 12 weeks of treatment with MC in adult patients with GTS.
Read the detailed description
Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) is a childhood onset neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by the presence of multiple motor and one or more phonic tics continuing for at least one year. In Israel, although consumption of cannabis is outlawed, there is an option to allow patients to consume the drug under supervision. Medical Cannabis (MC) consumed by inhalation of smoked or vaporized dried female buds, or subligual oil extract of whole plant, has been an approved treatment by the Ministry of Health (MOH) for resistant GTS since 2013. Previous studies suggested that MC has a good effect on tics, quality of like and with good tolerability among patients with resistant GTS.
In the current study, we prospectively followed-up patients eligible for MC according to MOH restrictions, at our GTS clinic at the Tel-Aviv Sourasky Movement Disorders Unit (MDU). Each subject signed a written informed consent before inclusion in the trial. Also, since driving under the influence of cannabis is forbidden by the Israeli law, patients were instructed and gave their oral commitment to avoid driving. The study was approved by the research ethics (Helsinki) committee at our center. MC was consumed as oil extract, vaporized, or smoked dried buds. The treating neurologist (S.A.) and patient together decided on the method of consumption during the visit before initiating treatment. Patients were assessed 4 and 12-weeks following treatment initiation to gather data regarding treatment efficacy, tolerability and SEs.
- Conditions
- Tourette Syndrome, Cannabis
- Being tested
- Medical Cannabis
- Keywords
- Cannabidiol, Cannabis, Medical Cannabis, delta(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol, Tourette Syndrome
- Medical subject headings
- Tourette Syndrome, Marijuana Abuse
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Medical CannabisDrug
Patients with GTS were assessed before, 4 and 12 weeks after Medical cannabis initiation for consumption habits, efficacy and side effect profile
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Tourette syndrome patients | Patients will be assessed before (baseline), 4 (visit 2) and 12 weeks (visit 3) after use of Medical cannabis via inhaled dried buds or sublingual oil extract. The percentage of THC and CBD were pre-set to 10% and 2%, respectively. All patients received the same general instructions for treatment titration, which was to start with 1 drop or puff a day and increase by 1 drop or puff as needed. There was no fixed schedule for the incremental increases, thus each patient freely raised the dose as well as number of daily consumptions until clinical benefit was achieved or SE emerged over a follow-up period of 12 weeks. Receives: Drug: Medical Cannabis |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in vocal and motor tics and disease burden
Using Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS), range 0-100, higher scores mean a worse outcome
Measured: Baseline, after 4 and 12 weeks since treatment initiation
Change in premonitory urge
using Premonitory Urge for Tic Scale (PUTS), range 0-36, higher scores mean a worse outcome
Measured: Baseline, after 4 and 12 weeks since treatment initiation
Subjective improvement of tics and Quality of life
Using a 7-point Likert-type scale, range 1-7, higher scores mean a better outcome
Measured: Baseline, after 4 and 12 weeks since treatment initiation
Secondary outcomes (2)
Examine patient's tetrahydrocannabinol-9-delta (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) consumption per month
Measuring total THC and CBD consumption per month in grams
Measured: After 12 weeks since treatment initiation
Assessment of major side effects of treatment
report (yes/no) on side effects from list and (free text) to add notes on side effect. List: Anxiety, Cognitive, Dizziness, Sedation, Fatigue, Red eyes
, Dry mouth, Gastrointestinal
Measured: After 4 and 12 weeks since treatment initiation
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted10 Nov 2021
- Study start1 Jul 2020
- Primary completion31 Mar 2021
- Study completion31 Mar 2021
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Tourette SyndromeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical CenterThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Case only
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 18 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center
- Sponsor type
- Other government
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05115318
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 0491-10-TLV
- Status last verified
- Oct 2021
- First submitted
- 16 Oct 2021
- Last updated
- 10 Nov 2021
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 10 Nov 2021. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Medical Cannabis on Tics, Premonitory Urge and Psychiatric Comorbidity in Adults With Tourette Syndrome
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05115318
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 0491-10-TLV
- Conditions
- Tourette Syndrome, Cannabis
- Keywords
- Cannabidiol, Cannabis, Medical Cannabis, delta(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol, Tourette Syndrome
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 18 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical CenterOther government
- Study start
- 1 Jul 2020 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Mar 2021 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Mar 2021 (actual)
- First posted
- 10 Nov 2021 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Medical cannabis (MC) is a standard treatment in Israel to adults with resistant Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS). While small randomized control trials assessed THC efficacy on tics and premonitory urge, only small retrospective studies assessed MC efficacy and tolerability in GTS. Herein, By using an open-label, prospective design, our aim is to determine the preferred method of use, efficacy and tolerability of 12 weeks of treatment with MC in adult patients with GTS.
Detailed description
Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) is a childhood onset neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by the presence of multiple motor and one or more phonic tics continuing for at least one year. In Israel, although consumption of cannabis is outlawed, there is an option to allow patients to consume the drug under supervision. Medical Cannabis (MC) consumed by inhalation of smoked or vaporized dried female buds, or subligual oil extract of whole plant, has been an approved treatment by the Ministry of Health (MOH) for resistant GTS since 2013. Previous studies suggested that MC has a good effect on tics, quality of like and with good tolerability among patients with resistant GTS.
In the current study, we prospectively followed-up patients eligible for MC according to MOH restrictions, at our GTS clinic at the Tel-Aviv Sourasky Movement Disorders Unit (MDU). Each subject signed a written informed consent before inclusion in the trial. Also, since driving under the influence of cannabis is forbidden by the Israeli law, patients were instructed and gave their oral commitment to avoid driving. The study was approved by the research ethics (Helsinki) committee at our center. MC was consumed as oil extract, vaporized, or smoked dried buds. The treating neurologist (S.A.) and patient together decided on the method of consumption during the visit before initiating treatment. Patients were assessed 4 and 12-weeks following treatment initiation to gather data regarding treatment efficacy, tolerability and SEs.
Study design
- Observational model
- Case only
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Tourette syndrome patients | – | Drug: Medical CannabisPatients will be assessed before (baseline), 4 (visit 2) and 12 weeks (visit 3) after use of Medical cannabis via inhaled dried buds or sublingual oil extract. The percentage of THC and CBD were pre-set to 10% and 2%, respectively. All patients received the same general instructions for treatment titration, which was to start with 1 drop or puff a day and increase by 1 drop or puff as needed. There was no fixed schedule for the incremental increases, thus each patient freely raised the dose as well as number of daily consumptions until clinical benefit was achieved or SE emerged over a follow-up period of 12 weeks. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- Adult patients with resistant Tourette syndrome
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Age 18 - 65 years
- Diagnosis of GTS confirmed by the treating neurologist based on the DSM-V criteria
- Eligibility to receive MOH MC license for GTS
- Provided written informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Regularly use cannabis in any form for self-medication prior to entering the study
- Pregnant or lactating women
- Have a tic disorder other than GTS
- Have concurrent physical or mental disease that could interfere with the study
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Medical CannabisPatients with GTS were assessed before, 4 and 12 weeks after Medical cannabis initiation for consumption habits, efficacy and side effect profile | Drug | Adult Tourette syndrome patients |
Primary outcome
Change in vocal and motor tics and disease burden
Time frame: Baseline, after 4 and 12 weeks since treatment initiation
Using Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS), range 0-100, higher scores mean a worse outcome
Change in premonitory urge
Time frame: Baseline, after 4 and 12 weeks since treatment initiation
using Premonitory Urge for Tic Scale (PUTS), range 0-36, higher scores mean a worse outcome
Subjective improvement of tics and Quality of life
Time frame: Baseline, after 4 and 12 weeks since treatment initiation
Using a 7-point Likert-type scale, range 1-7, higher scores mean a better outcome
2 secondary outcomes
Examine patient's tetrahydrocannabinol-9-delta (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) consumption per month
Time frame: After 12 weeks since treatment initiation
Assessment of major side effects of treatment
Time frame: After 4 and 12 weeks since treatment initiation
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 10 Nov 2021.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Tourette Syndrome and Cannabis, run by Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center at 1 site in Israel.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Nov 2021. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Israel. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in vocal and motor tics and disease burden (time frame: Baseline, after 4 and 12 weeks since treatment initiation). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 10 Nov 2021; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 8 Nov 2026.