Finding the right dose of brain stimulation to treat depression in people with spinal cord injuries
Evaluating a Novel Method to Determine the rTMS Dose Needed for Treating Depression After Spinal Cord Injury
This study is looking at how to best use a treatment called rTMS to help people with spinal cord injuries who are dealing with depression, aiming to find the right amount of treatment to improve their mood and overall quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10977065 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how to effectively use repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to treat depression in individuals who have experienced spinal cord injuries. The study aims to determine the appropriate dosing of rTMS, as current methods may not be suitable for many patients with upper extremity impairments. By focusing on this specific population, the research seeks to improve treatment outcomes and enhance the quality of life for those affected by depression after spinal cord injury. Participants will be closely monitored to assess the effectiveness and safety of the treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with spinal cord injuries who are experiencing depression.
Not a fit: Patients without spinal cord injuries or those not experiencing depression may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective depression treatments for individuals with spinal cord injuries, improving their overall quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While rTMS has been shown to be effective for treating depression in general, this specific application for individuals with spinal cord injuries is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vanderwerker, Catherine Jefferson — Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Vanderwerker, Catherine Jefferson
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.