Effect of brain stimulation on negative memory formation
A Pilot Study on the Influence of Temporo-occipital Transcranial Magnetic Brain Stimulation on Aversive Episodic Memory Performance
This study tests if a type of brain stimulation can help healthy young adults reduce the impact of negative memories.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 105 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Basel Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Basel, BS) |
| Trial ID | NCT05847933 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study investigates how repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) affects the formation of memories associated with negative emotions. The researchers aim to determine if a specific rTMS protocol can effectively reduce memory performance for adverse events. Participants will undergo various rTMS interventions, including active and sham stimulation, to assess their impact on episodic memory. The study focuses on generally healthy young adults who are fluent in German.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy males and females aged 18 to 30 with a normal blood pressure and a BMI between 19 and 30.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of neurological conditions, implanted devices, or significant head trauma may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new therapeutic approaches for managing traumatic memories and emotional distress.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of rTMS for various neurological conditions has shown promise, this specific application targeting negative memory formation is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female * Generally healthy * Normotensive (BP 90/60mmHg - 140/90mmHg) * BMI: 19 - 30 kg/m2 * Age: 18 - 30 years * Fluent German-speaking Exclusion Criteria: * Metal in the brain, skull or elsewhere in the body (e.g., splinters, fragments, clips, etc.) * Implanted neurostimulator (e.g., DBS, epidural/subdural, VNS) * Cardiac pacemaker or intracardiac lines * Medication infusion device * Nonremovable Piercings in the head area, pivot teeth (retainers are no exclusion criterion) * Tattoos (head area) less than 3 months old or older than 20 years * Condition after neurosurgery * Hearing problems or tinnitus * Not able to sit still due to tremor, tics, itching * History of repeated syncope * Head trauma diagnosed as concussion or associated with loss of consciousness * diagnosis of epilepsy, or a convulsion or a seizure in the past of the participant or his/her close family * TMS in the past showing problems * Surgical procedures to spinal cord * Spinal or ventricular derivations * Alcohol or drug intake 48 hours before start of visits * Regular intake of any medication or CNS-active medication 48h before visit * rMT above the limits of rTMS device.
Where this trial is running
Basel, BS
- University of Basel, Division of Cognitive Neuroscience — Basel, Bs, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ehssan Amini, MD
- Email: ehssan.amini@unibas.ch
- Phone: +41 61 207 02 26
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.