One-Week brain zaps aim to ease PTSD and pain in veterans
NCT ID NCT07192536
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests a one-week course of brain stimulation (called iTBS) for veterans who have both PTSD and chronic pain. Thirty veterans will receive 5-6 short sessions each day for five days, with no placebo group. Researchers will track changes in PTSD symptoms, pain, mood, and daily function at several points over six weeks to see if this approach is feasible and effective.
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 (intermittent theta burst stimulation)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a fast, non-invasive treatment option for veterans struggling with both PTSD and chronic pain, potentially reducing symptoms in just one week.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase study with only 30 participants and no placebo group, so results may not be conclusive. The device is used off-label for these conditions, and benefits may not last beyond the 6-week follow-up.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Phase 4
Runs after approval, following long-term safety and how well the treatment works in everyday use.
- Participants
-
About 30 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
-
Jan 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
-
Jan 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
19 years and older
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adults (\>19years age) with symptoms of both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain, confirmed by clinical interview and rating scales (CAPS-5 \& CPGS) performed at screening visit a. Participants must score either 'Moderate' or 'Severe' on the CAPS-5 scale, and 'Grade I, II, or III' on the CPGS to qualify 2. Any sex and gender identity 3. Willing and able to attend all study visits and adhere to treatment plan, including the use of a personal computer to complete at-home questionnaires 4. Able to understand the informed consent form, study procedures and willing to participate in study 5. Able to perform the testing required by the study Exclusion Criteria: 1. Exhibiting significant suicide risk, as defined by: 1. a. suicidal ideation as indicated by items 4 or 5 on the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) within the past six months, at screening visit 2. demonstrating suicidal behaviours or non-suicidal self-injury within the past six months, or; 3. clinical assessment of significant suicidal risk or risk of self-injury during participant interview 2. Participants who are pregnant, nursing, or planning a pregnancy 3. Participants who engage in sexual intercourse which could result in pregnancy, and who do not agree to use a highly effective contraceptive method throughout their participation in the study 4. Any other clinically significant neurological, psychiatric, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, vascular or any other major concurrent illness that, in the opinion of the Investigator, may interfere with the interpretation of the study results or constitute a health risk for the participant if he/she takes part in the study 5. Have participated in another clinical trial within the last 30 days or are currently enrolled in another interventional clinical trial 6. Individuals who have active or inactive implants (including device leads), including deep brain stimulators, cochlear implants, and vagus nerve stimulators, as well as metallic implants such as electrodes, stents, clips, pins, plates, screws, braces, or other metallic objects such as shrapnel or permanent jewelry. 7. The presence of ferrous metal pins or plates in or near the head (within 30 cm of the coil). Including implanted electrodes/stimulators, aneurysm clips or coils, stents, bullet fragments, or other implants. 8. Individuals who have history of epilepsy or unexplained seizure history. 9. Uncontrolled/severe symptomatic cardiovascular disease states including: recent myocardial infarction (within prior 6 months); history of stroke; and hypertension (resting blood pressure \>150/100) 10. History of intracranial mass, intracranial haemorrhage/stroke, cerebral trauma/traumatic brain injury or increased intracranial pressure 11. Any defects in the neurocranium (e.g. after skull trepanation) 12. Skin diseases of the scalp Contraindications for NeuroCatch Platform: 13. Clinically documented hearing issues (e.g., in-ear hearing problems or punctured ear drum) 14. In-ear hearing aid or cochlear implant, hearing device 15. Lack of fluency in the English language 16. Unhealthy scalp (apparent open wounds and/or bruised or weakened skin)
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.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
-
The study's own enquiry address
This study publishes an address for enquiries. See it below .
-
The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
-
A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Study contacts
-
Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
-
Brainstim Health
Surrey, British Columbia, V3Z 1H8, Canada
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- One 2-Hour class may help new mothers manage Post-Cesarean pain
- Can a Text-Message program help trauma survivors avoid PTSD and depression?
- Zapping deep brain regions to quiet chronic back pain
- Can a 20-Hour infusion break the PTSD-Alcohol cycle?
- Herbal injections at acupuncture points tested against physical therapy for Long-Lasting sciatica
- Can difficulty naming emotions shape how much tailbone pain you feel?