NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Neural targets for improving function in Veterans with alcohol use disorder and mild brain injury

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-11518051 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEdward Hines Jr VA Hospital
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hines, United States)
Project startOctober 1, 2019
Project endMarch 31, 2027
Funding year2027
NIH project number5I01RX002916-08
Project IDNIH-11518051 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Veterans with both alcohol use disorder and a history of mild traumatic brain injury.

Less likely to help

Patients without AUD+mTBI or those unable to participate in non-invasive brain stimulation may see no direct benefit.

What this research studies

Veterans with co-occurring alcohol use disorder and mild traumatic brain injury often struggle with functional abilities. The study will identify specific brain sites where high-frequency rTMS may reduce alcohol-related symptoms and improve daily functioning, then compare this targeted approach to the standard left DLPFC stimulation. Participants will receive rTMS over customized neural targets and will be monitored for changes in alcohol-related behaviors and functional outcomes. The research uses non-invasive brain stimulation available at VA facilities to explore personalized treatment options. If successful, this work could pave the way for clinically implemented, tailored rTMS protocols for this population.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients could have a new personalized brain-stimulation option to help reduce alcohol-related symptoms and improve daily functioning.

How similar studies have gone: Preliminary evidence suggests rTMS can help with AUD or mTBI separately, supporting exploration of combined targets.

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.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.