New brain imaging tech could revolutionize PTSD treatment dosing
NCT ID NCT05916417
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 19, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests a new method to personalize TMS (a non-invasive brain stimulation) dosing for people with PTSD, with or without mild traumatic brain injury. Researchers will use brain imaging (fNIRS) to measure brain activity directly, aiming to replace the current indirect method. Sixty adults aged 18-70 will participate to see if this approach is feasible and accurate.
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) device
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to more precise TMS dosing for PTSD and TBI, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early feasibility study with only 60 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The technology is still experimental.
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 60 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Jan 2024
- Expected to finish
-
Sep 2026
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 70 years
- 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 ages 18-70 years. 2. Eligible for consideration of treatment with TMS for PTSD. 3. Diagnosis of PTSD based on CAPS-5. 4. No changes in psychotropic medication (if taking psychotropic medication) and/or changes in supportive psychotherapy for 1 month prior to initial visit; and clinically appropriate to maintain stable treatment regimen for duration of study. 5. Clinically competent to give informed written consent and ability to understand study procedures and to comply with them for the entire length of the study Exclusion Criteria: 1. Medical contraindication for neuromodulation (e.g., ferrous metal in head, seizure disorder, brain tumor, stroke, aneurysm, multiple sclerosis, etc.). 2. Unable to have an MRI (e.g., due to ferrous metal or inability to tolerate). 3. Active substance use disorder in last 3 months or any current substance use that puts the participant at increased risk or significant impairment 4. Dementia or other cognitive disorder making unable to engage in study. 5. Any history or diagnosis of Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Delusional Disorder or other psychotic illness. 6. Suicidal risk that precludes safe participation defined as clinical impression that the participant is at significant risk for suicide. 7. OCD cannot be the primary disorder but can have OCD symptoms 8. Taking any medication that significantly lowers the seizure threshold (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, clozapine, etc.) 9. Current, planned, or suspected pregnancy 10. Unstable medical conditions or any current medical condition that could preclude being able to safely participate in TMS treatment (e.g., unstable metabolic abnormality, unstable angina, etc.) 11. Severe Traumatic Brain Injury 12. Prior TMS treatment or already received TMS as part of a study. 13. Significant ongoing litigation or claims that impact research activities, as determined by the research study team. (Research may especially be impacted when mental health or pain is being evaluated for litigation or claims, such as civil and criminal cases, disability claims and worker's compensation). We will exclude non-English speakers because of the need for rapid communication during the testing.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Post-traumatic stress disorder 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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Isabelle Taylor
Tallahassee, Florida, 32306, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Five sessions to quiet trauma nightmares in bipolar disorder
- Can a web program rebuild memory after brain injury?
- Can training hospital staff in Trauma-Informed care make childbirth safer?
- Why a simple fall can cause brain bleeding in older adults
- Bedside ultrasound could flag hidden brain injury decline
- Scientists probe brain's reward system in mental illness