NIH launches deep dive into gulf war illness mystery

NCT ID NCT05375812

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 2 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.

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.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

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

  • Contact

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

Locations

  • National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

    RECRUITING

    Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

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