Using brain stimulation to help reduce fatigue in stroke survivors
Official title: Neuromodulation for Rehabilitation of Post-Stroke Fatigue: An rTMS Pilot Study
Funded at Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center · NIH-11002636 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special treatment called rTMS, which uses magnetic fields to stimulate the brain, might help people who have had a stroke feel less tired and improve their overall quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2RX003790-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002636 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults who have experienced a stroke and are currently dealing with significant fatigue.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had a stroke or those whose fatigue is unrelated to neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a potential treatment for fatigue experienced by individuals who have had a stroke. The approach involves applying magnetic fields to specific areas of the brain to modulate neural activity, which may help alleviate fatigue symptoms. Participants will undergo rTMS sessions while their responses are monitored to assess improvements in fatigue levels and overall quality of life. The study aims to gather data that could lead to more effective therapies for managing post-stroke fatigue.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, non-invasive treatment option for stroke survivors suffering from debilitating fatigue.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results using rTMS for various neurological conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel application for post-stroke fatigue.
Where this research is happening
-
Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kindred, John Harvey — Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kindred, John Harvey
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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.