Brain zaps for war trauma? TMS shows promise in PTSD pilot
NCT ID NCT07336251
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study is testing whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can help ease PTSD symptoms in veterans. Twenty veterans with moderate to severe PTSD will receive ten sessions of low-frequency TMS over 2–4 weeks. Researchers will also use brain scans and blood tests to understand how TMS might work, focusing on brain activity and inflammation.
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) – a device that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain areas
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a non-drug treatment option for PTSD in veterans, potentially reducing symptoms like flashbacks and anxiety.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small pilot study with only 20 participants, so results may not apply to all veterans. It is early-stage research focused on understanding mechanisms, not proving effectiveness.
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
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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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About 20 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2026
- Expected to finish
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Jan 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A government agency
The lead sponsor is a US federal agency other than the NIH.
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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19 to 70 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.
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: * Age between 19 and 70 * Eligible for VA healthcare * Moderate to severe PTSD as determined by a total score of at least 25 on the CAPS within 7 days of randomization. * Agree to have CAPS audio recorded. * Ability to obtain a Motor Threshold using the TMS device during screening. * If female with childbearing potential, use of acceptable method of birth control (i.e., use of contraceptives, abstinence). * Able to read, understand, and sign the informed consent document. Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant or lactating woman. * MRI is contraindicated * Current use of clozapine (any dose) or bupropion (more than 300mg per day). * Cardiac pacemaker or implantable defibrillator. * Presence of any metal object in the head, including cochlear implants, but excluding dental work in the mouth. * Significant central nervous system disorder (stroke, brain mass, epilepsy). * Seizure in past one year. * Current psychosis or mania. * Significant suicidal ideation. * Unstable medical conditions. * Current alcohol or substance use disorder (except nicotine) that interferes with the patient's ability to participate. * CPT or PE for PTSD in the past 2 months. * Changes in Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline, or Venlafaxine in the past 2 months. * Color blind * Currently participating in other research studies. * Aneurysm Clip * Ocular foreign body (e.g., metal shavings) * Any implanted device (pumps, infusion devices, etc.) * Shrapnel injuries or metal fragments
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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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
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White River Junction VA Hospital
RECRUITINGWhite River Junction, Vermont, 05001, United States
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