Could a magnetic pulse to the head curb suicidal thoughts in veterans?

NCT ID NCT05647044

First seen Apr 23, 2026 · Last updated Jun 23, 2026 · Updated 10 times

Summary

This early study tests a device called intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), which uses magnetic pulses to activate brain cells. Researchers want to see if it can safely reduce impulsivity and suicidal thoughts in 55 veterans who have had a mild traumatic brain injury. The treatment is FDA-approved for other uses but not yet for these symptoms. This is a first step to gather safety data and see if larger studies are warranted.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for SUICIDAL IDEATION are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL

    RECRUITING

    Hines, Illinois, 60141-3030, United States

    Contact

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

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, small Phase 1 study focused on safety and feasibility, not proof of effectiveness. The treatment is not yet approved for these symptoms, and results may not apply to the general population.

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.