Using electric stimulation to improve memory in veterans with brain injuries
Treatment of Verbal Retrieval Deficits in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury With High Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
NA · The University of Texas at Dallas · NCT04869059
This study is testing if a special type of brain stimulation can help veterans with mild brain injuries improve their memory and thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 136 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas at Dallas (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Dallas, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT04869059 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study tests the effectiveness of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on the presupplementary motor area of the brain to enhance verbal retrieval in military veterans who have experienced mild traumatic brain injuries. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active tDCS or sham treatment over 15 sessions, with cognitive assessments conducted throughout the intervention and at follow-up. The study aims to evaluate not only the primary outcome of verbal retrieval but also other cognitive abilities and EEG measures, while examining how baseline cognitive assessments and concussion history may predict treatment responses.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are veterans aged 18-75 with a history of mild to moderate traumatic brain injury leading to verbal retrieval deficits.
Not a fit: Patients with severe traumatic brain injuries or significant psychological or neurological disorders will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve cognitive function and quality of life for veterans suffering from the effects of traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of tDCS is gaining traction, this specific application for improving verbal retrieval in veterans with traumatic brain injuries is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Participants are to be between the ages of 18-75, have previously served in the US armed services, and have had a traumatic brain injury that has led to a verbal retrieval deficit based on neuropsychological testing criteria. Traumatic brain injury must be in the mild to moderate range based on evaluation, including, the Ohio State TBI Identification Method (administered by our research group). You must be fluent in speaking and reading English. Exclusion Criteria: Exclusion criteria include a history of a psychological or neurological disorder, including, dementia of any type, epilepsy or other seizure disorders, severe traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, brain tumor, present drug abuse, stroke, blood vessel abnormalities in the brain, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, or multiple sclerosis. Additionally, exclusion criteria include inability to give informed consent; cranial implants or skull defects that affect tDCS administration; and use of medications that interact with or potentially interact with tDCS effects, including, anti-convulsants, amphetamines, L-dopa, carbamazepine, sulpiride, pergolide, lorazepam, rivastigmine, dextromethorphan, D-cycloserine, flunarizine, ropinirole, or citalopram.
Where this trial is running
Dallas, Texas
- The University of Texas at Dallas — Dallas, Texas, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: John Hart, MD — The University of Texas at Dallas
- Study coordinator: Ashna Adhikari
- Email: neurolab.memory@utdallas.edu
- Phone: 972-883-3161
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.
Conditions: Traumatic Brain Injury, Traumatic brain injury, transcranial direct current stimulation, electroencephalography, cognition, veteran traumatic brain injury