Using brain stimulation to help smokers quit

Neuronavigated Non-invasive Brain Stimulation for Nicotine Dependence.

This study is testing if a type of brain stimulation can help adults who smoke cigarettes to cut down or quit smoking altogether.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 60 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Missouri-Columbia (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Columbia, Missouri)
• Trial ID: NCT06347055 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines the effects of continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) on cognitive control in adults who smoke cigarettes. It aims to determine if the specific location of cTBS application can assist smokers in reducing or quitting smoking. Participants will engage in the study over a 3-week period, involving four visits and a total time commitment of approximately 12 hours. The intervention involves repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to explore its potential benefits for nicotine dependence.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults who smoke at least 8 cigarettes per day for over 2 years or use electronic cigarettes frequently.

Not a fit: Patients with serious medical conditions, neurological disorders, or those currently on specific medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel method for helping individuals overcome nicotine dependence.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of brain stimulation for addiction treatment is being explored, this specific approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Nicotine Dependence as measured by: Smoke ≥ 8 cigarettes/day for ≥ 2 yrs, expired carbon monoxide (CO) concentration of ≥ 10 ppm, positive urine cotinine test and FTND score ≥ 3 Or ≥ 15 uses of electronic cigarette/day for ≥ 1 year, positive urine cotinine test, and PS-ECDI score ≥ 3
2. English Fluency
3. Functional Vision (with corrective lenses as needed)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Use of psychotropic and antiepileptic medications in the last month
2. Presence of an untreated illness or serious medical condition
3. History of major neurological illness
4. Contraindication to TMS (history of neurological disorder or seizure, increased intracranial pressure, brain surgery, or head trauma with loss of consciousness for \>15 min., implanted electronic device, metal in the head) or MRI.
5. Any use of substances that lower seizure threshold.
6. Current or past psychosis
7. Electroconvulsive therapy in the past 6 months
8. Unstable cardiac disease or hypertension, severe renal or liver insufficiency, or sleep apnea
9. BAC greater than 0.0.
10. Positive urine pregnancy test
11. Any other concern that in the investigator's opinion would impact participant safety, study instruction compliance, or confound the interpretation of the study results.

Where this trial is running

Columbia, Missouri

• Health Neuroscience Center — Columbia, Missouri, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Brett Froeliger, PhD

Conditions: Nicotine Dependence, Tobacco, Smoking, TMS, fMRI, Nicotine, Cognitive Control