Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for PTSD
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to explore how Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) can improve symptoms in individuals with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific brain areas, potentially enhancing brain function and reducing inflammation associated with PTSD. Participants will undergo ten 40-minute TMS sessions and receive brain scans to observe changes. This study may suit veterans eligible for VA healthcare who have moderate to severe PTSD and can commit to the TMS treatment schedule. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research and potentially benefit from an innovative treatment approach.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
You may need to stop taking certain medications, like clozapine or high doses of bupropion, to join the trial. Also, if you've changed your dose of Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline, or Venlafaxine in the past 2 months, you might not be eligible. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the study team.
What prior data suggests that Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is safe for treating PTSD?
Research shows that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is generally well-tolerated. Studies have used TMS to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other conditions. Most patients experience few side effects, which are usually mild, such as headaches or discomfort where the device touches the head.
TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It is not surgery and does not involve any cuts or implants. While TMS is sometimes used for PTSD, it often employs techniques developed for other conditions. Researchers are still determining exactly how it helps with PTSD symptoms. Some studies suggest it might not significantly reduce PTSD symptoms for everyone.
For those considering joining a trial using TMS, it is reassuring to know that it has been used safely in other studies. However, as with any treatment, discussing potential risks and benefits with the study team is important.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Unlike the standard treatments for PTSD, which often include therapy and medication like SSRIs, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) offers a non-invasive approach. TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, potentially providing relief without the side effects of medication. Researchers are particularly excited about TMS because it targets specific brain regions associated with PTSD symptoms, offering a new avenue for those who haven't found success with traditional therapies. Plus, TMS can be administered in a clinic setting and does not require the patient to take medication daily, which could improve adherence and outcomes.
What evidence suggests that Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is effective for PTSD?
Studies have shown that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which participants in this trial will receive, can effectively reduce PTSD symptoms. Research suggests that TMS changes brain function and lowers inflammation, aiding in PTSD management. Some studies found that about 77% of patients responded positively, and around 62% experienced remission, with significant symptom reduction. Reviews of multiple studies support these findings, indicating that TMS generally helps reduce PTSD symptoms over time. While results can vary, this treatment shows promise for many people with PTSD.26789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Bradley Watts
Principal Investigator
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for veterans aged 19-70 with moderate to severe PTSD who are eligible for VA healthcare. Participants must agree to audio-recorded assessments, be able to use the TMS device, and if female of childbearing potential, must use birth control. They should also understand and sign consent.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive ten rTMS treatments over 2-4 weeks, including fMRI scans and breath and blood samples for inflammation analysis
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with assessments of PTSD and depressive symptoms
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Trial Overview
The study tests how Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) affects PTSD symptoms by changing brain function and reducing inflammation. It involves ten rTMS sessions over 2-4 weeks, fMRI brain scans, and providing breath and blood samples for inflammation markers.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
White River Junction Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Post-traumatic Stress ...
Studies have been done to assess the overall efficacy of TMS. However, results have been conflicting, and sample sizes were small. More research should be done ...
Effectiveness of transcranial magnetic stimulation for ...
Currently, meta-analyses of TMS for PTSD outnumber novel RCT publications and indicate that TMS is generally effective at PTSD symptom reduction over time, with ...
Transcranial magnetic stimulation as a treatment for ...
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has shown positive outcomes for people with PTSD, using different treatment protocols. This meta- ...
Pragmatic accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation for ...
A total of 74 patients (77.1 %) achieved a clinical response with accelerated TMS, and PTSD remission occurred in 59 (61.5 %) (Fig. 1A). Depression symptoms ...
Non-invasive brain stimulation for posttraumatic stress ...
Results revealed that rTMS is an effective treatment to reduce core symptoms of PTSD with a large effect size (Hedges' g = −0.975) and moderate ...
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for post- ...
Based on moderate-certainty evidence, our review suggests that active rTMS probably makes little to no difference to PTSD severity ...
Use of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) ...
This study is designed to determine if rTMS stimulation in patients diagnosed with PTSD leads to symptomatic improvement, reductions in blood flow to specific ...
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Post-traumatic Stress ...
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a technique used in treating PTSD and involves stimulating specific portions of the brain through electromagnetic ...
Theta-Burst Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for ...
iTBS appears to be a promising new treatment for PTSD. Most clinical improvements from stimulation occurred early, which suggests a need for further ...
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