tDCS for Chronic Pain and PTSD
(Warriors Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The Veteran population has been known to deal with co-morbid chronic pain and PTSD. As a result, they use healthcare services at a higher rate than those Veterans with pain or PTSD alone which leads to an amplified burden on healthcare systems.tDCS is a painless brain stimulation treatment that uses direct electrical currents (at a constant, low-intensity level) to stimulate specific parts of the brain and help modulate neuronal activity. This study hypothesizes that our short-term therapy-focused treatment program coupled with tDCS administrations will aid in the reduction of chronic pain and PTSD symptoms. Secondly, the investigators intend to examine any relationships between BDNF reduction in reported pain and PTSD and related mental health symptoms. Subjects will be identified from the Emory Healthcare Veterans Program (EHVP-IOP) Veterans and Service members seeking psychiatric treatment for mental health issues including PTSD.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
You may need to stop taking certain medications to participate in this trial. Specifically, if you are currently using sodium channel blockers, calcium channel blockers, or N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists, you might need to discontinue them. It's best to discuss your current medications with the trial team to see if any changes are necessary.
Is transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) safe for humans?
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is generally considered safe for humans, with mild and temporary side effects like itching, tingling, and headaches. No serious or lasting injuries have been reported in over 33,200 sessions, even in potentially vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.12345
How is the tDCS treatment for chronic pain and PTSD different from other treatments?
tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation) is unique because it is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique that modulates neural activity to relieve chronic pain, unlike traditional medications or invasive procedures. It targets specific brain areas to alter pain perception, offering a promising and safe alternative for pain management.678910
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment for chronic pain and PTSD?
Who Is on the Research Team?
Barbara O Rothbaum
Principal Investigator
Emory University
Boadie W Dunlop, MD
Principal Investigator
Emory University
Sheila Rauch, PhD
Principal Investigator
Emory University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for veterans aged 18-89 with chronic pain and PTSD who are treated at EHVP-IOP in Georgia or Florida. Participants must have a primary care provider, experience significant daily pain, and be willing to self-administer tDCS therapy. Exclusions include those with metal implants in the brain, pacemakers, certain medication use (like sodium/calcium channel blockers), history of brain tumor or surgery, seizures, stroke, pregnancy, non-English speakers.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for chronic pain and PTSD over 2 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in pain and PTSD symptoms using various outcome measures
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Emory University
Lead Sponsor
Wounded Warrior Project
Collaborator