Zapping away pain: brain stimulation device tested in veterans
NCT ID NCT05254379
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a painless brain stimulation technique called tDCS could help veterans suffering from chronic pain, PTSD, and depression. 38 veterans received tDCS sessions during an intensive outpatient program. Researchers measured changes in pain levels and mental health symptoms to see if the treatment provided relief.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a non-drug, brain-based option to ease chronic pain and PTSD symptoms in veterans.
- What could go wrong
- This was a small, early study with only 38 participants and no control group, so results may not be reliable or apply to everyone. The effects may be short-lived.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CHRONIC PAIN are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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
-
Emory Division of Psychiatry
Atlanta, Georgia, 30329, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Your voice may hold clues to depression – a new device listens in
- Can a virtual meadow or a Mind's eye stream calm hospital anxiety?
- Could the sound of your voice reveal depression?
- Mind-Body physio program aims to tackle chronic pain and depression together
- Can we decode the different types of pain in multiple sclerosis?
- Can yoga ease the pain of endometriosis after surgery?