Brain waves under the spotlight: a new clue to cyclic vomiting?
NCT ID NCT05256160
First seen Aug 14, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026
Summary
This study uses a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to compare brain activity in people with cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) and healthy volunteers. The goal is to see if there are differences in cortical excitability—how easily the brain's motor cortex responds to stimulation. Researchers will measure brain responses and heart rate variability to explore potential underlying mechanisms of CVS.
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) paired-pulse assessment
- What this could lead to
- If differences are found, it could point toward new ways to understand or treat cyclic vomiting syndrome.
- What could go wrong
- This is an exploratory study, so it may not find clear differences, and results may not lead to treatments.
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
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
About 110 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
May 2022
- Expected to finish
-
Jun 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
-
18 to 60 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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: * diagnosis of CVS Exclusion Criteria: * history of CVS (for healthy control population only) * psychosis or altered cognitive status * history of head injury, metal in the skull, stroke, or a history of seizures or a history of syncope (fainting or passing out) * implantable devices, such as a pacemaker or nerve stimulator * current use of the following medications or use of substances which are known to lower the seizure threshold: clozapine (Clozaril), chlorpromazine (Thorazine), amphetamines or methamphetamine, Ecstasy, Ketamine, Angel Dust/PCP, cocaine, or 3 or more alcoholic drinks per day * pregnancy
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Cyclic vomiting syndrome 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 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
Locations
-
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
RECRUITINGPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15232, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.