Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Anesthesia Recovery

(REDEX Trial)

Overseen By Emery N Brown, MD, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

Must not be taking: Stimulants, Anticoagulants

Disqualifiers: Epilepsy, Hypertension, Asthma, Diabetes, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 3 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: Up to 120 minutes

12 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests whether biological sex influences the brain's recovery from the common sedative dexmedetomidine and whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can safely monitor brain activity during sedation. TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will receive TMS combined with an EEG (a brain activity test), and the other will not. The study seeks healthy non-smokers without a history of heart, lung, or neurological issues. Participants should not take substances that affect the brain. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to understanding brain recovery and monitoring techniques.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

Yes, you will need to stop taking any regular medications that affect central nervous function, as well as anticoagulant or blood-thinning medications. However, oral hormonal contraception is allowed.

What prior data suggests that transcranial magnetic stimulation is safe for measuring brain complexity during sedation?

Research has shown that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is generally safe. Many studies have confirmed its long-term safety. Serious side effects, such as seizures, occur very rarely, with a risk of less than 0.01%. Most individuals tolerate TMS well. Some may experience mild headaches or discomfort at the treatment site, but these effects typically resolve quickly. This makes TMS a promising treatment option without major safety concerns for many. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for anesthesia recovery because it introduces a non-invasive way to potentially speed up the process. Unlike the standard methods that typically rely on medication to reverse anesthesia effects, TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, which could enhance recovery without the side effects of drugs. This technique could offer a quicker and safer alternative, providing patients with a smoother transition back to consciousness after surgery.

What evidence suggests that transcranial magnetic stimulation is effective for anesthesia recovery?

Studies have shown that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) effectively treats various brain-related issues. It improves symptoms in conditions like major depression and post-stroke challenges, such as memory and speech difficulties. TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain nerve cells, aiding recovery and enhancing brain function. In this trial, one group of participants will undergo TMS-EEG to explore its potential in aiding recovery from anesthesia. Although researchers are still studying its use for helping people wake up from anesthesia, positive effects in other areas suggest it might enhance brain function during sedation. Early signs are promising, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness for this specific use. ^{2 3 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Emery N Brown, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

Massachusetts General Hospital

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for healthy, non-smoking adults aged 18-45 with a BMI of 18 to 30. Participants must not have a history of stimulant or substance abuse, be in good health (ASA 1), speak English fluently, and women must use hormonal contraception.

Inclusion Criteria

Non-smoker

I am in good health with no physical limitations.

You have not previously taken stimulants or abused any substances.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive dexmedetomidine sedation and undergo TMS-EEG or no intervention

Up to 120 minutes

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

1 week

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Trial Overview The study tests if biological sex affects recovery from unconsciousness induced by dexmedetomidine. It also examines whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) alongside EEG can measure brain activity during sedation without waking participants.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: TMS-EEG Arm Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

This arm will undergo TMS-EEG during the study.

Group II: Non-TMS-EEG Arm Active Control 1 Intervention

This arm will not undergo TMS-EEG during the study.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is already approved in United States, Canada, European Union for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for:

• Major Depressive Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Approved in Canada as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for:

• Major Depressive Disorder

Approved in European Union as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for:

• Major Depressive Disorder

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Massachusetts General Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,066

Recruited

13,430,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied to the M1/S1 cortex significantly lowers μ-opioid receptor availability, indicating the release of endogenous opioids in various brain regions associated with pain processing, which may contribute to its pain-relieving effects.

Despite the activation of the endogenous opioid system, rTMS did not change thermal pain thresholds or sensory discrimination of painful stimuli, suggesting that while rTMS enhances opioid-mediated inhibition, it does not alter the perception of pain intensity.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Neurotransmitters behind pain relief with transcranial magnetic stimulation - positron emission tomography evidence for release of endogenous opioids. Lamusuo, S., Hirvonen, J., Lindholm, P., et al.[2018]

Active 1-Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the primary motor area (M1) not only decreases excitability in the stimulated hemisphere but also reduces excitability in the contralateral hemisphere, indicating a bilateral effect.

The study shows that rTMS can condition cortical excitability even at a distance, suggesting that decreased excitability may be linked to reduced blood flow and metabolism in the brain.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Crossed reduction of human motor cortex excitability by 1-Hz transcranial magnetic stimulation. Wassermann, EM., Wedegaertner, FR., Ziemann, U., et al.[2019]

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has gained popularity for its ability to modulate brain activity, but safety considerations are crucial, especially with the recent updates to safety guidelines published in 2021.

The guidelines emphasize the importance of screening for risks, monitoring for adverse events, and specific safety measures when using rTMS, particularly in patients with conditions like stroke and traumatic brain injury.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Safety Review for Clinical Application of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Kim, WS., Paik, NJ.[2023]

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has a very low seizure risk, with only 0.08 seizures reported per 1,000 sessions, and less than 0.02 seizures per 1,000 sessions when guidelines are followed for individuals without known risk factors.

The study found that exceeding safety guidelines increases the risk of seizures, and seizures are more likely to occur during the first few TMS sessions, suggesting that TMS is generally safe when administered properly.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Seizures from transcranial magnetic stimulation 2012-2016: Results of a survey of active laboratories and clinics. Lerner, AJ., Wassermann, EM., Tamir, DI.[2021]

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a powerful tool that can effectively treat clinical depression and potentially other brain disorders, but it carries risks, including the potential to induce seizures, as evidenced by 7 known cases by 1996.

A workshop established safety guidelines for rTMS, emphasizing the importance of monitoring, ethical considerations, and the expertise required for its administration to minimize risks and enhance therapeutic outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Risk and safety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation: report and suggested guidelines from the International Workshop on the Safety of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, June 5-7, 1996. Wassermann, EM.[2022]

In a meta-analysis of 93 randomized controlled trials involving repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), the overall incidence of adverse events (AEs) was found to be higher in the active TMS group (29.3%) compared to the placebo group (13.6%), indicating a 2.60 times greater risk of experiencing AEs with active treatment.

Despite the higher incidence of AEs, TMS is considered a safe and well-tolerated intervention, with common side effects including headache and dizziness, highlighting the importance of recognizing nocebo effects in both clinical trials and practice.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Safety, Tolerability, and Nocebo Phenomena During Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials. Zis, P., Shafique, F., Hadjivassiliou, M., et al.[2022]

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has not been thoroughly studied for side effects, with the main known risk being the acute production of seizures.

While tissue damage from rTMS is unlikely, there are concerns about potential cognitive effects and the possibility of long-term changes in brain function that have not yet been fully understood.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Side effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. Wassermann, EM.[2005]

In anesthetized cats, high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF rTMS) significantly increased glucose uptake in the targeted visuo-parietal cortex after stimulation, indicating a lasting effect on cortical excitability, while low-frequency rTMS (LF rTMS) had the opposite effect.

The study highlights that the effects of rTMS on brain activity can vary based on the frequency of stimulation, with HF rTMS enhancing local activity and LF rTMS reducing it, supporting the potential of rTMS for neuromodulation in clinical settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Opposite impact on 14C-2-deoxyglucose brain metabolism following patterns of high and low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the posterior parietal cortex. Valero-Cabré, A., Payne, BR., Pascual-Leone, A.[2022]

In a pilot study involving 10 patients with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia, high-frequency rTMS applied to the right inferior frontal gyrus significantly improved attention and psychomotor speed, as measured by the Trail Making Test.

No cognitive improvements were observed with rTMS applied to a control site (vertex), suggesting that targeted stimulation of the right IFG may be an effective intervention for enhancing cognitive functions in this patient population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Non-invasive brain stimulation of the right inferior frontal gyrus may improve attention in early Alzheimer's disease: a pilot study. Eliasova, I., Anderkova, L., Marecek, R., et al.[2022]

Suprathreshold rTMS over the left primary sensorimotor cortex significantly increased brain activity in the stimulated area and supplementary motor area (SMA) in most subjects, indicating effective neuronal activation.

Subthreshold rTMS did not activate the primary sensorimotor cortex but still modulated activity in remote areas like the SMA and lateral premotor cortex, suggesting it influences corticocortical connections without inducing motor responses.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Subthreshold high-frequency TMS of human primary motor cortex modulates interconnected frontal motor areas as detected by interleaved fMRI-TMS. Bestmann, S., Baudewig, J., Siebner, HR., et al.[2019]

Repetitive magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive and painless technique that can effectively activate specific areas of the brain, making it useful for studying language, memory, and visual perception.

rTMS shows potential therapeutic benefits for conditions like movement disorders and depression, but there are safety considerations regarding its potential to induce seizures, which are addressed in the study.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. Possibilities, limits and safety aspects]. Brandt, SA., Ploner, CJ., Meyer, BU.[2019]

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can protect hippocampal neurons from delayed neuronal death after a lethal ischemic event, with the most effective timing being 2 to 5 days before the ischemic insult.

The study found that rTMS delivered at 25 Hz for 128 seconds was more effective in preserving neuron density compared to higher frequency stimulation, highlighting its potential as a noninvasive method to prevent ischemic neuronal damage.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for protection against delayed neuronal death induced by transient ischemia. Fujiki, M., Kobayashi, H., Abe, T., et al.[2022]

This trial will evaluate whether a 1-week accelerated rTMS treatment is as effective as the standard 4-week treatment for depression, involving 60 patients over a 2-year period.

The study aims to determine if additional accelerated rTMS treatments can benefit patients who do not respond to initial therapy, potentially optimizing treatment strategies for depression.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation (aTMS) to treat depression with treatment switching: study protocol of a pilot, randomized, delayed-start trial. Tan, XW., Abdin, E., Tor, PC.[2021]

Citations

1. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568715/

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation - StatPearls - NCBI Studies have shown that rTMS is safe and effective for stroke complications as well and accelerates their recovery. Improvements in ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1935861X24016747

Efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in ... In recent years, rTMS has also shown positive effects on cognitive impairments such as post-stroke memory, speech, and visuospatial deficits [44,45]. Therefore, ...

3. mayoclinic.org mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/about/pac-20384625

Transcranial magnetic stimulation Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of major depression.

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6592198/

Transcranial magnetic stimulation: A review of its evolution ... rTMS is a recently developed noninvasive brain stimulation method for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders.

5. becarispublishing.com becarispublishing.com/doi/10.57264/cer-2025-0019

Resource utilization and economic outcomes following ... In multiple studies, TMS has been shown to be more effective and less costly than serial pharmacotherapy trials or ECT [14–17].

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9094636/

Safety and recommendations for TMS use in healthy subjects ... Safety and recommendations for TMS use in healthy subjects and patient populations, with updates on training, ethical and regulatory issues: Expert Guidelines

7. my.clevelandclinic.org my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17827-transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-tms

TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation): What It Is It's safe. Seizures are the most common serious side effect of TMS, but these are very rare. Your risk of having a seizure from TMS is less than 0.01% ...

8. wbma.cc wbma.cc/tms-therapy-side-effects/

Understanding TMS Therapy Side Effects Research-Based Safety Data​​ Extensive research spanning over 20 years has demonstrated TMS therapy's excellent long-term safety profile: No ...