Zapping the brain with personalized alpha waves to fight schizophrenia symptoms
NCT ID NCT01941251
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether a more targeted form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can help people with schizophrenia whose symptoms don't improve with medication. The treatment uses each patient's own brain wave frequency (alpha rhythm) and MRI scans to precisely stimulate the left prefrontal cortex. Fifty patients will receive either real or sham stimulation over three weeks, and their symptoms and thinking abilities will be measured before, shortly after, and three months later.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a new, non-invasive way to reduce both positive and negative symptoms in people with schizophrenia who haven't responded to standard treatments.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase study with only 50 participants, and previous TMS studies have shown mixed results. The effect may be modest or not last long-term.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Niuvanniemi Hospital
Kuopio, Finland
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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