Improving brain stimulation treatments for depression and migraines
Official title: Precision TMS with integrated visualization and analysis of real-time E-field and EEG source imaging
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11048069 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on making a brain treatment called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) even better by using new software that helps doctors customize the treatment for each person based on their unique brain structure and activity, aiming to help people with conditions like depression and migraines feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $830,409 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH136160-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048069 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, migraines, or those seeking to quit smoking.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions not related to brain disorders or those who do not respond to TMS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a treatment for various brain disorders, by developing advanced software that allows for real-time mapping of electric fields and EEG analysis. By personalizing the treatment parameters based on individual brain anatomy and function, the study aims to improve the effectiveness of TMS for conditions like major depressive disorder and migraines. The approach involves using diffusion MRI and EEG data to accurately target specific brain regions, thereby optimizing treatment outcomes for patients. Through this innovative methodology, the research seeks to address the variability in patient responses to TMS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatments for patients suffering from depression, migraines, and other brain disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques to enhance TMS efficacy, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ning, Lipeng — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ning, Lipeng
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Targeted therapies for glioblastoma in adults and kids
A large NIH program is exploring new brain cancer therapies, including drugs that reach the brain and work against glioblastoma in both children and adults.
-
Statins to Prevent Cancer-Associated Blood Clots in Cancer Patients
A large study will test whether taking rosuvastatin every day for a year can lower the chance of dangerous blood clots in people with cancer, without raising the risk of bleeding.
-
Preterm infant body composition and early-life health after NICU stay
This grant studies how body composition in very preterm babies relates to later brain development and risk of obesity or diabetes, with findings meant to improve care from NICU through early childhood.
-
Rapid Emergency Skills for Prehospital Optimization and Delivery (RESPOND) for Guatemala
A lightweight, AI-enabled prehospital training and triage program helps volunteer firefighters in Guatemala deliver faster, better care to trauma patients.
-
Rapid Emergency Skills for Prehospital Optimization and Notification in Guatemala
A mobile, AI-powered training and triage program helps volunteer emergency responders in Guatemala provide faster, safer trauma care and notify hospitals more quickly.
-
Understanding antibiotic allergy to improve care for patients
Scientists are testing new ideas to understand why some people develop severe allergic reactions to antibiotics and how to prevent or treat them.
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.