At-Home brain zaps show promise for long COVID fog
NCT ID NCT05092516
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a noninvasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS, done at home, could improve thinking problems like brain fog in 31 people with long COVID. Participants used a headset that delivered mild electrical currents to the brain for 4 weeks. The goal was to see if it helped with attention, processing speed, and mental flexibility.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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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
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31 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jun 2022
- Expected to finish
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Sep 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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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
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Ability to provide informed consent * A diagnosis of PASC as indicated by past COVID-19 infection, and persistent symptoms, including 'brain fog', confusion, short-term memory deficits, trouble concentrating, delirium, difficulties in multitasking. Exclusion Criteria: * History of epilepsy * Metallic implants in the head and neck, * Brain stimulators * Pacemakers * Pregnancy * Active substance dependence (except for tobacco) * Premorbid major neurological illness * Severe mental illness (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) * Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
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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
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Massachusetts General Hospital
Charlestown, Massachusetts, 02129, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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