RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07336251

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Veterans With PTSD

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Veterans With PTSD: A Pilot Study to Examine Mechanism of Effect

Sponsor

White River Junction Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Enrollment

20 participants

Start Date

Jan 15, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Summary

With this research investigators hope to begin to understand how rTMS can improve posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. TMS improves PTSD through two interrelated mechanisms: change in brain limbic system function and change in systemic inflammatory activation. Participants who decide to join this study, will receive ten rTMS treatments. All participants will undergo a 40-minute rTMS procedure with a member of the study team 10 times over 2-4 weeks. Participants will undergo fMRI scans of the head in order to help researchers better understand potential effects of rTMS on brain activity. In addition, participants will be asked to give two breath and blood samples to look for signs of general inflammation.

Eligibility

Min Age: 19 YearsMax Age: 70 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is testing whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) — a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that uses magnetic pulses — can reduce PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) symptoms in veterans. TMS is already approved for depression and is being studied here for PTSD. **You may be eligible if...** - You are a veteran between 19 and 70 years old - You are eligible for VA healthcare - You have moderate to severe PTSD (confirmed by a structured interview) - You are able to read and understand the consent form **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You are pregnant or breastfeeding - You have a cardiac pacemaker, implantable defibrillator, or metal in your head (other than dental work) - You have epilepsy, a brain tumor, stroke, or had a seizure in the past year - You currently have active psychosis or mania - You have a significant substance use disorder - You have had specific changes to psychiatric medications or psychotherapy within the past two months Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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