Magnetic pulses to the brain may curb suicidal thoughts in veterans

NCT ID NCT05647044

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests a magnetic brain stimulation technique called iTBS in 55 veterans aged 22-65 who have had a mild traumatic brain injury and struggle with impulsivity or suicidal thoughts. The treatment involves applying magnetic pulses to the front of the head over several sessions to see if it safely improves symptoms and daily functioning. It is an early-stage trial to gather safety and effectiveness data for future larger studies.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) - a magnetic pulse device applied to the head
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new, non-drug treatment for impulsivity and suicidal thoughts in veterans with mild traumatic brain injury.
What could go wrong: This is a very early Phase 1 trial with only 55 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The treatment is not yet proven effective for these specific symptoms, and there is a small risk of seizure or discomfort from the magnetic pulses.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Brain Concussion brain disorder Brain Injuries, Traumatic brain injury Craniocerebral Trauma Impulsive Behavior psychiatric disorder Risk-Taking Self-Injurious Behavior Suicidal Ideation Suicide Suicide, Attempted traumatic brain injury

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

IMPULSIVITY MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY SUICIDAL IDEATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL
RECRUITING

Hines, Illinois, 60141-3030, United States

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