NIH launches deep dive into gulf war illness mystery

NCT ID NCT05375812

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 07, 2026 · Updated 4 times

Summary

This study aims to understand Gulf War Illness (GWI), a condition affecting up to 210,000 veterans with symptoms like fatigue, pain, and memory problems. Researchers will compare 85 Gulf War veterans—some with GWI and some without—through extensive tests including blood draws, scans, sleep studies, and surveys during a two-week inpatient stay. The goal is to identify biological and clinical differences that could explain the illness.

What this could mean

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

What this could lead to: If this study succeeds, it could reveal biological markers or mechanisms underlying Gulf War Illness, pointing toward future diagnostic tools or treatments.
What could go wrong: This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It may not find clear differences between groups, and findings may not directly lead to therapies.

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.

persian gulf syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

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

GULF WAR ILLNESS

Contacts and locations

Locations

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
RECRUITING

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

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