Can magnetic pulses ease alcohol and brain injury struggles in veterans?

NCT ID NCT04043442

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION Disease control Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called rTMS can improve daily functioning in 100 veterans who have both alcohol use disorder and a history of mild traumatic brain injury. Researchers will identify a specific brain target and then stimulate it with magnetic pulses over several sessions. The goal is to reduce disability and help veterans function better in everyday life.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) device
What this could lead to: If successful, this could provide a new, non-invasive treatment option to improve daily functioning for veterans with both alcohol use disorder and mild traumatic brain injury.
What could go wrong: This is a Phase 2 trial with only 100 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. rTMS is generally safe but can cause headache or discomfort, and its long-term effectiveness for this specific group is not yet proven.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

alcohol abuse Brain Concussion traumatic brain injury

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ALCOHOL USE DISORDER MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL

Hines, Illinois, 60141-3030, United States

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