Brain zaps for opioid addiction? Single-Patient trial raises questions

NCT ID NCT05903495

Completed Disease control Sponsor: West Virginia University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This completed study tested deep brain stimulation (DBS) in just one person with severe, treatment-resistant opioid use disorder. The goal was to see if stimulating brain reward areas could reduce opioid use and improve safety. Because only one participant was enrolled, the results are too limited to draw any conclusions about effectiveness.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) device targeting the nucleus accumbens and ventral internal capsule
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new brain-stimulation treatment for people with severe opioid addiction who haven't responded to other therapies.
What could go wrong: This was a very early, single-person study. It cannot prove effectiveness, and DBS carries surgical risks. Much larger trials are needed.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

opiate dependence

As listed by the trial registrant

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

OPIOID-RELATED DISORDERS

Contacts and locations

Locations

West Virginia University Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute

Morgantown, West Virginia, 26505, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.