Brain zaps may curb smoking cravings in HIV patients

NCT ID NCT05295953

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Gopalkumar Rakesh Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tested whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called TMS could reduce smoking cravings and attention to cigarette cues in people living with HIV/AIDS. Four participants received either real or sham TMS sessions. The goal was to see if TMS could help them focus less on smoking triggers and feel less urge to smoke.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new way to help people with HIV/AIDS quit smoking by reducing cravings.
What could go wrong: This was a very small early study with only 4 participants, so results may not apply to others. It only measured short-term effects on cravings and attention, not actual quitting.

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.

AIDS HIV infectious disease Tobacco Smoking

As listed by the trial registrant

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

HIV TOBACCO SMOKING

Contacts and locations

Locations

245 Fountain Court

Lexington, Kentucky, 40513, United States
University of Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky, 40513, United States

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