Personalized brain stimulation treatment for PTSD in veterans and first responders

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Electroencephalogram (EEG) Personalized Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (eTMS) for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Not applicable Interventional Wave Neuroscience · NCT06892028

This study is testing a personalized brain stimulation treatment to see if it can help veterans and first responders with PTSD feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment110 (estimated)
Ages22 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorWave Neuroscience Industry-sponsored
Locations2 sites (Dayton, Ohio and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06892028 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of EEG-based Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (eTMS) in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among U.S. military veterans and first responders. Participants will undergo EEG recordings to tailor the eTMS treatment, followed by 15 in-office sessions over 21-28 days. The study aims to recruit 110 individuals and will assess the reduction of PTSD symptoms using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). It is a randomized, sham-controlled trial designed to ensure the reliability of results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are U.S. military veterans or first responders aged 22-65 with a diagnosis of PTSD persisting for at least 6 months.

Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled medical or psychological conditions, or those with metal objects in their head, will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans and first responders, improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using TMS for PTSD have shown promise, indicating potential for success with this novel EEG-based approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Willing and able to consent to participate in the study via signed Informed Consent
* Age 22 - 65 years
* Diagnosis of PTSD according to DSM-5 criteria via the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS).
* Onset of symptoms meeting the DSM-5 criteria for PTSD symptoms persisting for a minimum of 6 months prior to the Screening Visit
* Veterans Administration PCL-5 cut point score of 31 or above
* Positive identification as either a Veteran, or First Responder (e.g., emergency medical service provider, firefighter, or any other emergency response personnel)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Uncontrolled medical, psychological or neurological condition
* Pregnant, or female unwilling to use effective birth control during the course of the trial
* Metal objects in the head
* Past exposure to metal fragments, permanent piercings, and/or other possible metal sources in the head and neck
* Current participation in any interventional research protocol
* History of any type of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) or repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)
* History of stroke or intracranial lesion or increased intracranial pressure
* History of epilepsy of seizure
* Family history of epilepsy or seizure in 1st degree relative
* An elevated risk of suicide or violence to others

Where this trial is running

Dayton, Ohio and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Stress Disorder, Post TraumaticPTSDVeteransFirst Responders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.