Transcranial alternating current stimulation for cognitive problems in inflammatory demyelinating CNS disorders
Official title: Assessment of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation's Clinical Efficacy in Treating Cognitive Impairment of Idiopathic Inflammatory Demyelinating Diseases
Run by Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing · NCT07087873 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will try transcranial alternating current stimulation to see if it improves thinking and memory in adults with multiple sclerosis and related inflammatory demyelinating central nervous system disorders.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 128 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 30, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | October 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 28, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07087873 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18–60 with diagnosed MS, NMOSD, ADEM, or other idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating CNS disorders who have been on stable medications for at least three months and have had no relapse in the past three months.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with recent relapse, implanted pacemakers or metal devices, active skin problems at electrode sites, prior structural brain disease (e.g., epilepsy, tumors), severe unstable organ dysfunction, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The study will enroll adults with idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating disorders and perform baseline imaging and electrophysiological testing to characterize disease-related brain changes. Participants will be assigned to active neuroelectrical modulation or a pseudo-neuromodulation (sham) group and receive repeated noninvasive stimulation sessions. Clinical cognitive outcomes will be measured alongside imaging and electrophysiology to identify factors linked to response. The goal is to define overall and individual response patterns to enable more personalized neuromodulation programs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce cognitive problems and support personalized noninvasive brain stimulation treatments for people with demyelinating CNS disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Prior small trials of noninvasive electrical brain stimulation (including tDCS/tACS) in MS and related disorders have shown mixed but sometimes promising effects on cognition, so the approach is partially tested but not yet established.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age: 18-60 years old. * Diagnosis: Patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease, multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system that meet the diagnostic criteria. * Medications have been stable for at least three months. Exclusion Criteria: * Recurrence has been recorded in the past 3 months. * Have a pacemaker or other metal implant in the body. * Impaired skin integrity at the site of electrode placement. * Previous organic brain disease such as epilepsy, hydrocephalus, central nervous system tumors, brain injury, or intracranial infection. * Combined with severe or unstable organic diseases, such as heart, liver and kidney and other organ dysfunction. * Pregnant or lactating women, those who are planning to become pregnant in the near future. * Patient compliance is poor. * In the opinion of the investigator, there is a situation that is not suitable to participate in this study.
Where it's running
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Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: huang huijin, Ph.D.
- Email: huanghuijinmail@sina.com
- Phone: +8618510510804
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.