Investigating how transcranial direct current stimulation works
Understanding the Neural Mechanisms Behind Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
This study is testing how a brain stimulation technique called tDCS works by comparing it to another method to see if it can help treat neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 130 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | KU Leuven Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant) |
| Trial ID | NCT04577677 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to explore the neural mechanisms involved in transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive technique that applies direct current through scalp electrodes. Participants will undergo three different stimulation conditions: active, sham, and control, with the control involving the application of an anesthetic cream to numb the scalp nerves. The research will compare the effectiveness of tDCS with peripheral nerve stimulation to better understand these mechanisms. The findings could lead to advancements in non-invasive neuromodulation therapies for treating various neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals in good general health without a history of neurological or psychiatric disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with epilepsy, migraines, or those who are pregnant will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective non-invasive treatments for neurological and psychiatric conditions.
How similar studies have performed: While the mechanisms of tDCS are being actively researched, this specific approach to understanding its neural mechanisms is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * good general health Exclusion Criteria: * Epilepsy or family history of epilepsy * Migraine * Allergic to lidocaine or benzocaine * Pregnant * History of or currently suffering from: * neurological diseases * psychiatric diseases, depression or anxiety (Annex B and Annex C) * History of: * brain surgery * brain thrombosis * cerebral hemorrhage * severe head trauma * meningitis * long period of loss of consciousness (\> 1 hour) * Metal parts in the head or upper body: * Defibrillator, implanted medication pump * Metal prosthesis in ear, hart, … * Deep brain stimulator * Coronary bypass or intracranial or aneurysm clips (brain arteries, aorta, etc.)
Where this trial is running
Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant
- KULeuven — Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Myles Mc Laughlin, professor
- Email: myles.mclaughlin@kuleuven.be
- Phone: +32 16 32 43 48
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.