Scientists are hopeful that the findings of a new study may lead to new non-drug treatments for children with Tourette Syndrome being developed.

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have identified a mechanism in the brain that controls tics in young people with the condition.

Professor Stephen Jackson of the institution's School of Psychology, believes the findings, published in the British Psychological Society's Journal of Neuropsychology, are "very important".

"It indicates that motor and vocal tics in children may be controlled by brain changes that alter the excitability of brain cells ahead of voluntary movements," he commented.

As a result, he is confident that an effective non-pharmacological treatment for Tourette Syndrome could now conceivably be developed.

Rod Shaw of the James Tudor Foundation, which supported the research with a £150,000 grant, added that it is pleased the project has produced some "interesting and potentially useful results".

According to figures from the University of Nottingham, about one child in every 100 is affected by Tourette Syndrome.

Access the journal paper here.

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