Identifying brain targets to help veterans with alcohol use disorder and brain injuries
Official title: Neural Target Identification for Functional Disability Associated with Alcohol Related Characteristics Among Veterans with Co-occurring Alcohol Use Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury
Funded at Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital · NIH-10938030 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how drinking problems and mild brain injuries affect veterans' daily lives, and it aims to find ways to help them feel better using a safe treatment called rTMS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hines, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2019 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX002916-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10938030 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with both alcohol use disorder and mild traumatic brain injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder or mild traumatic brain injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how alcohol use disorder (AUD) and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) affect the functional abilities of veterans. It aims to identify specific brain areas that can be targeted for treatment using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive therapy. By focusing on these neural targets, the study seeks to improve treatment outcomes for veterans suffering from both AUD and mTBI. Participants will be veterans who experience symptoms related to alcohol use and functional disabilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments that improve brain function and daily living activities for veterans with co-occurring AUD and mTBI.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies have shown efficacy for rTMS in treating both alcohol use disorder and mild traumatic brain injury separately, suggesting potential for success in this combined approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital
Hines, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Herrold, Amy — Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital
- Study coordinator: Herrold, Amy
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Neural targets for improving function in Veterans with alcohol use disorder and mild brain injury
This project tests a targeted brain-stimulation approach to help Veterans who have both alcohol use problems and mild traumatic brain injury improve daily functioning.
-
AI-enhanced virtual reality tool to support remote emergency brain surgery training in Tanzania
A new AI-powered virtual reality tool helps non-experts in low-resource areas get real-time remote guidance for emergency traumatic brain injury surgery.
-
Functional Connectivity-Guided TMS for Alcohol Use Disorder
A new approach uses targeted brain stimulation to help people with alcohol use disorder stay abstinent longer by focusing treatment on specific brain circuits.
-
Alcohol Use Disorder and Suicidal Behavior: Finding Why They Occur Together
A study using Swedish population data to understand why alcohol use disorder relates to suicidal thoughts and acts, with the goal of improving risk prediction and prevention.
-
Non-hallucinogenic psilocybin derivative for alcohol use disorder
A new, safer psilocybin-like compound is being studied to help people with alcohol use disorder.
-
Identifying brain proteins linked to PTSD and alcohol use disorder
Researchers are studying brain proteins that may contribute to PTSD and alcohol use disorder in US veterans to find new ways to help people who struggle with both conditions.
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.