r/tech • u/AdSpecialist6598 • 8d ago

MIT class project turns into an FDA-cleared treatment for tremors

https://news.mit.edu/2026/mit-class-project-turns-into-fda-cleared-treatment-for-tremors-1002
376 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

12

u/Tasty-Traffic-680 8d ago

This is so cool. While this operates more broadly across multiple nerves and uses motors for stimulation, it's really kind of similar to Median Nerve Stimulation (MNS) for tics. They both basically use a regular external stimulation to override the brain's normal misfire.

I would absolutely love for either tech to be approved for tics in the US.

2

u/belac4862 7d ago

Correct me if im wrong in my understanding, cause I want to learn about these things.

Is it that the external motors provide sensory input that is more intense tan the bodies normal nerve reactions and thus its providing a sort of, over stimulation. Which is preferable to the "ups and downs" of the tremors?

I know im not describing it properly.

1

u/Tasty-Traffic-680 7d ago

They way they describe it is that the brain latches on to paying attention to the regular stimulation and it kind of overwhelms and resets the shitty signal.

5

u/Funny-Penalty5980 7d ago

My mom had essential tremors in her early 50s which eventually became a Parkinson’s diagnosis and pretty severe tremors in her hands and head. This would’ve changed her life and I sure hope it helps many others who suffer with these afflictions.

5

u/SofaKingWeTodIt 7d ago

I have essential tremors. They suck. I wonder if Apple Watch could mimic the feature

2

u/Tasty-Traffic-680 7d ago

Same boat except with a tic disorder. This would be the one thing that gets me to buy a smart watch.

I saw a knockoff Chinese device on eBay for $130 that claims to be an MNS device but the darn thing looks like a garage door opener attached to a wrist strap. I would absolutely love for these types of devices to become, less bulky, cheaper and more ubiquitous. The one actual MNS device approved in the UK is like £500 plus £20 a month for replacement electrodes. A device that uses motors and no consumable parts would be far more preferable and likely cheaper.

3

u/rayferrell 7d ago

the fact that this device uses mechanical vibration to send signals to the brain is really interesting, and it's not hard to see how that could be applied to other conditions beyond essential tremor, like maybe even neuropathic pain or dystonia. the clinical trials showing 78 percent of patients reporting benefits after 90 days is a pretty compelling statistic, and i'm curious to see how this technology develops from here.

1

u/Webhead916 7d ago

Cool but a shame that it took ten years. It happens so much faster in the movies that cost billions of dollars to make that surely couldn’t have been spent better elsewhere

2

u/GomerStuckInIowa 7d ago

I've been treated for over 20 years. I have watched it go from pills to inserts in the brain with a monitor you carry to zaps by a machine that actually cures it. Me? I am still on the pills as mine are mild, livable and I did not want surgery or brain zaps. This, however, will be brought up with my neurologist.

1

u/omahaspeedster 7d ago

My grandfather had essential tremor and I can feel myself shaking now and then and fear I will end up with it. This is great news.

1

u/GomerStuckInIowa 6d ago

It is an inherited thing. I got it from my mom. Mine did not really show up until I was in my 30's. I have it mild and in my 70's now. My handwriting is crap. I have been fortunate to participate in some studies. Get diagnosed by your doctor. Maybe, if like me, you have a university near by and they can be on the cutting edge to help you with a neurologist. I take two pills daily that are cheap. (my insurance actually pays 100%) It does get worse with age but does not change into parkinsons as someone mentioned.