Connectivity-guided theta-burst stimulation targeting the hippocampus in schizophrenia

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This protocol uses connectivity-guided theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (TBS) to target hippocampal networks implicated in schizophrenia. Non-invasive arms receive TMS with concurrent EEG and sham control to record immediate neural responses, while a separate intracranial arm enrolls patients undergoing phase II intracranial EEG monitoring for direct hippocampal recordings. Researchers will compare brain activity before and after stimulation to determine whether hippocampal function can be systematically modulated. Results are intended to clarify hippocampal contributions to symptoms and to inform future neuromodulation treatments.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Men and women, ages 18 to 65 years
* Medically intractable epilepsy requiring phase II monitoring (intracranial EEG arms only)
* DSM-V diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum Axis I disorders including delusional disorder, brief psychotic disorder, schizophreniform disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder (non-invasive TMS-EEG arms only).
* Must have intellectual capacity to ensure adequate comprehension of the study and potential risks involved in order to provide informed consent
* No current or history of major neurological disorders other than epilepsy.

Exclusion Criteria:

* DSM5 diagnosis of intellectual disability
* Significant head injury
* Active suicidal ideation or history of suicide attempt within the past 1 year.
* Medical illness affecting brain structure or function, or other uncontrolled or unstable medical condition.
* Pregnancy or postpartum (\<6 weeks after delivery or miscarriage)
* Inability to provide informed consent
* Active substance abuse other than alcohol or cannabis within the past 1 year
* Psychotic illness with a temporal relation to substance use or head injury
* Those with a contraindication for MRIs or TMS (e.g. implanted metal).

Where it's running

• Stanford University
  Stanford, California, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Ethan A Solomon, MD, PhD — Stanford University
• Study coordinator: Study Team
• Email: kellerlab@stanford.edu
• Phone: 408-840-3313

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.