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Non-invasive Brain Stimulation

rTMS for Depression After Spinal Cord Injury

N/A
Recruiting
Led By Catherine VanDerwerker, DPT, PhD
Research Sponsored by Medical University of South Carolina
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Have at least partial active movement of the right thumb (abductor pollicis brevis) to allow for FDA approved rTMS dosing
Age 18 - 70
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up baseline, midpoint (week 3), and post treatment (5 weeks)
Awards & highlights

Study Summary

This trial will investigate the safety and efficacy of a new treatment for depression in people with spinal cord injuries.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for individuals aged 18-70 who have had a spinal cord injury at the cervical or thoracic level for over 6 months and are experiencing depression. They must be able to move their right thumb, not have started new psychotropic meds in the last 4-6 weeks, and cannot be pregnant or have certain neurological conditions.Check my eligibility
What is being tested?
The study tests repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive brain therapy, on those with depression post-spinal cord injury. Participants will receive rTMS five days a week for four weeks to evaluate its safety and effect on depressive symptoms.See study design
What are the potential side effects?
Potential side effects of rTMS may include discomfort at the treatment site, headache, lightheadedness, seizures (though rare), or changes in hearing if ear protection isn't used during treatment.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I can partially move my right thumb.
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I am between 18 and 70 years old.
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I have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~baseline, midpoint (week 3), and post treatment (5 weeks)
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and baseline, midpoint (week 3), and post treatment (5 weeks) for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Outcome measures can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary outcome measures
Mental Depression
Number of visits missed
Safety as assessed by number of adverse events
Secondary outcome measures
Change depressive symptoms as assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score
Change in depressive symptoms as assessed by the Montgomery- Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)
Change in function and daily activities as assessed by the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Tool-Short Form
+4 more

Trial Design

1Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: rTMS (Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
Treatment
First Studied
Drug Approval Stage
How many patients have taken this drug
rTMS
2016
Completed Phase 3
~840

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Medical University of South CarolinaLead Sponsor
933 Previous Clinical Trials
7,394,621 Total Patients Enrolled
40 Trials studying Depression
6,939 Patients Enrolled for Depression
The Craig H. Neilsen FoundationOTHER
55 Previous Clinical Trials
2,921 Total Patients Enrolled
1 Trials studying Depression
120 Patients Enrolled for Depression
Catherine VanDerwerker, DPT, PhDPrincipal InvestigatorMedical University of South Carolina

Media Library

rTMS (Non-invasive Brain Stimulation) Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT04263285 — N/A
Depression Research Study Groups: rTMS (Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)
Depression Clinical Trial 2023: rTMS Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT04263285 — N/A
rTMS (Non-invasive Brain Stimulation) 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT04263285 — N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Does the trial permit seniors of over 70 years to participate?

"The age range criterion for this medical trial is between 18 and 70 years old."

Answered by AI

Am I eligible to take part in this scientific experiment?

"This clinical investigation is enrolling 14 individuals with spinal cord injuries ranging from 18 to 70 years old. The following criteria must be met for consideration: age between 18 and 70, partial active movement of the right thumb (abductor pollicis brevis), no changes in psychotropic medications within a 4-6 week period prior to the trial's commencement."

Answered by AI

What purpose does this clinical trial seek to fulfill?

"The primary aim of this clinical trial, which will be evaluated at its Baseline, Week 3 midpoint and post-treatment 5 week conclusion is to assess the safety through potential adverse events. Secondary objectives include determining how depressive symptoms have impacted an individual's quality of life with the Sheehan Disability Scale (0 - 30 score range), Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Tool-Short Form self-report questionnaire (19 questions) as well as a subject's subjective wellbeing via Satisfaction With Life Scale responses from 1 to 7."

Answered by AI

Is there still room for participants in this experiment?

"Affirmative. Data on clinicaltrials.gov confirms that the trial, which was initially posted on November 1st 2022, is actively enrolling patients. The research team expects to include 14 individuals from one medical centre in this study."

Answered by AI

What is the aggregate number of participants in this medical study?

"Affirmative. According to clinicaltrials.gov, this research endeavour is actively searching for participants. Initially posted on the 1st of November 2022 and last updated on July first 2022; the trial seeks to recruit 14 patients at a single medical site."

Answered by AI
~9 spots leftby Sep 2025