How neuromodulation may help headaches after a mild brain injury
Official title: Dose-dependent Effects of Neuromodulation on Headaches in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Funded at Upstate Medical University · NIH-11441465 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small study tests whether stimulating the brain with a noninvasive technique can lessen persistent headaches in people who recently had a concussion.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Upstate Medical University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $326,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HD123642-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11441465 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with a recent mild traumatic brain injury and persistent post-traumatic headaches.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without persistent headaches after mTBI or with contraindications to rTMS may not benefit.
What this research studies
Many people with a mild traumatic brain injury experience headaches that can linger and hinder recovery. This project looks at repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a non-drug option to reduce persistent headaches and improve attention, sleep, and activity after injury. Researchers will explore how different stimulation levels affect headache symptoms and related cognitive and daily function. The study is designed to be safe and to illuminate potential mechanisms of how neuromodulation helps with post-concussion symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with post-concussion headaches may experience less pain and better overall function after mild brain injury.
How similar studies have gone: Early studies suggest rTMS can help some post-concussion symptoms, but mechanisms and optimal parameters are still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Upstate Medical University
Syracuse, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kuo, Yi-Ling — Upstate Medical University
- Study coordinator: Kuo, Yi-Ling
Related research
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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.