Finding the right rTMS dose for depression after spinal cord injury
Official title: Evaluating a Novel Method to Determine the rTMS Dose Needed for Treating Depression After Spinal Cord Injury
Funded at Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center · NIH-11222672 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests a new way to set rTMS treatment levels so people with spinal cord injury who have depression can get safe, effective brain stimulation.
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 start | November 1, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2RX003972-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11222672 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with spinal cord injury who are experiencing depression and who are being considered for rTMS treatment would be the most likely candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without depression, those with standard contraindications to rTMS (for example, certain implanted metal or a history of seizures), or those not able to attend study visits may not benefit from this work.
What this research studies
If you have a spinal cord injury and depression, this research will try a different approach to choosing the rTMS dose because the usual hand-muscle test may not work for many people with upper-limb weakness. The team will compare the new dosing method to the standard approach to see whether it gives the intended brain stimulation without relying on a hand motor response. The goal is to make rTMS accessible and appropriately dosed for people with varying levels of arm or hand function after SCI. The work will be done through the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and involves clinical testing in people with SCI and depression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, more people with spinal cord injury could receive rTMS safely and get better treatment for depression.
How similar studies have gone: rTMS is an FDA-approved, effective treatment for major depression in the general population, but it has not been studied much in people with spinal cord injury and this dosing approach is new for that group.
Where this research is happening
-
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Finding the right dose of brain stimulation to treat depression in people with spinal cord injuries
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.
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Corticospinal neurons and recovery of precise forelimb movement after spinal cord injury
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How baclofen and spinal cord stimulation interact in people with spinal cord injury
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Biotype-based Personalization of Antidepressant Augmentation in Late-Life Depression
A multi-site study will test a computer-guided approach to choosing the best augmentation option for older adults with treatment-resistant depression.
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Targeting spinal cord inflammation with a new HuR inhibitor to help SCI patients
A new treatment approach uses a small molecule to block a brain-spinal inflammation regulator (HuR) that drives harmful inflammation after spinal cord injury, aiming to lessen damage and pain for people with SCI.
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Suubi-Mhealth: a mobile app to help Ugandan youth with HIV manage depression and ART adherence
A mobile app designed for 14–17 year olds in Uganda aims to support mental health and keep HIV treatment on track.
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.