Investigating how the brain stem affects Gulf War Veterans' Illness symptoms

The role of the brain stem in GWVI pathology

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · VETERANS ADMIN PALO ALTO HEALTH CARE SYS · NIH-10909999

This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain might be affecting Gulf War veterans who are dealing with chronic pain and sleep problems, and it aims to find out if there are differences in their brain scans compared to veterans who don’t have these issues, which could help develop new treatments to make them feel better.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorVETERANS ADMIN PALO ALTO HEALTH CARE SYS (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PALO ALTO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10909999 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of brainstem structures in Gulf War Veterans’ Illness (GWVI), which includes chronic pain and sleep disturbances. By using advanced brain imaging techniques, the study aims to assess the integrity of brainstem pathways that connect to areas involved in pain and sleep regulation. The research will compare brain imaging results between GWVI veterans and non-symptomatic veterans to identify potential damage in brain structures. The findings could lead to new therapeutic approaches targeting these brain regions to alleviate symptoms.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Gulf War veterans experiencing chronic pain and sleep disturbances.

Not a fit: Patients who are not Gulf War veterans or do not have symptoms related to GWVI may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively reduce pain and improve sleep for veterans suffering from GWVI.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using brain imaging to understand pain and sleep disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

PALO ALTO, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.