Using eTMS to treat PTSD in veterans and first responders

Electroencephalogram (EEG) Personalized Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (eTMS) for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Not applicable Interventional Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University · NCT06294106

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

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Roanoke, Virginia)
Trial IDNCT06294106 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the safety and efficacy of an EEG personalized Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (eTMS) approach for veterans and first responders diagnosed with PTSD. Participants will undergo extensive physiological and behavioral testing before and after the eTMS application, including MRI, EEG, and various behavioral assessments. The study is designed as a double-blind, sham-controlled, parallel group, randomized trial to ensure robust results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are veterans or first responders who have been diagnosed with PTSD.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to MRI, uncontrolled medical conditions, or a history of certain neurological issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve PTSD symptoms in veterans and first responders.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using eTMS is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in treating PTSD with neuromodulation techniques.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Veteran or first responder
* diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder with PCL-5 cutoff of 31 or above

Exclusion Criteria:

* Claustrophobia
* Contraindications to MRI
* Pregnant
* Uncontrolled medical, psychological, or neurological conditions
* Unable to calculate EEG alpha frequency
* History of ECT or rTMS
* History of intracranial lesion or increased intracranial pressure
* History of stroke
* History of other neurologic conditions
* Family history of epilepsy
* Personal history of epilepsy
* certain medications

Where this trial is running

Roanoke, Virginia

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 Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
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.