Felix NeuroAI wristband improves important tremor outcomes

Key takeaways:

• An AI-powered wristband was simpler than a sham machine in bettering important tremor.
• It could possibly be used instead for sufferers who’ve an insufficient response or can not tolerate oral medication.

SAN DIEGO — A peripheral nerve stimulator powered by AI and worn as a wristband improved important tremor signs and sufferers’ capacity to carry out each day actions in contrast with a sham machine, knowledge from the TRANQUIL trial present.

The examine was highlighted throughout AAN’s High Science Press Convention. It was certainly one of three abstracts that Paul M. George, MD, PhD, FAAN, chair of the AAN Science Committee, chosen for demonstrating “rising mind resilience by way of scientific discoveries.”

“The flexibility to faucet into our physique’s personal electrical signaling affords thrilling new avenues to change illness,” he mentioned.

Oral remedies presently used for important tremor are “typically unsatisfactory,” in response to Rajesh Pahwa, MD, FAAN, Laverne and Joyce Rider Professor of Neurology on the College of Kansas College of Medication, director of the Motion Dysfunction Program on the College of Kansas Well being System and the principal investigator for TRANQUIL.

Researchers imagine that the pathophysiology of tremor entails the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus (VIM). Deep mind stimulation and centered ultrasound have been proven to cut back tremor by interrupting exercise within the VIM, Pahwa mentioned through the press convention. Nevertheless, they require surgical interventions.

The Felix NeuroAI wristband (Fasikl Inc.) was developed as a noninvasive different that “makes use of a cloud-based AI algorithm to watch tremor and modify the stimulation in actual time primarily based on sufferers’ exercise and predictive analytics,” Pahwa mentioned.

“It’s directed in direction of all three main nerves within the forearm and it’s designed to be worn all day lengthy,” he added.

Pahwa and colleagues examined the Felix NeuroAI wristband within the potential, randomized, sham-controlled, double-blinded TRANQUIL trial. They randomly assigned 125 sufferers throughout 12 facilities in the USA and China in a 2:1 ratio to put on Felix NeuroAI or a sham machine at residence for 90 days. The first endpoint of the examine was the change in TETRAS modified ADL (mADL) rating, which assesses modified actions of each day residing, Pahwa mentioned.

About 78% of sufferers accomplished the examine. From baseline to day 90, sufferers who used the Felix NeuroAI wristband had a better discount in mADL scores than those that used the sham machine (6.9 vs. 2.7), in response to Pahwa and colleagues. They have been additionally extra more likely to have higher Scientific International Impressions of Enchancment (69.4% vs. 44.4%) and High quality of Life in Important Tremor Questionnaire scores.

“The commonest antagonistic associated occasions have been delicate pores and skin irritation, which regularly didn’t require any therapy,” Pahwa mentioned. “There have been no severe antagonistic results. Thus, this AI-driven wearable machine was secure to be used through the day and efficient in lowering the signs of important tremor.”

When requested whether or not the wristband may scale back the necessity for pharmacological therapies, Pahwa mentioned it would extra doubtless be used as a second-line possibility for sufferers who’ve an insufficient response or can not tolerate oral drugs.

Reference:

• Pahwa R, et al. TRANQUIL: Pivotal examine of the Felix NeuroAI Wristband in sufferers with important tremor. Offered at: AAN Annual Assembly; April 5-9, 2025; San Diego.