Using magnetic pulses to treat impulsivity and suicidal thoughts in veterans with mild brain injuries

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) in treating impulsivity and suicidal ideation in veterans who have experienced mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The approach involves applying high-powered magnetic pulses to the front of the head to activate brain cells and strengthen connections that may help alleviate these symptoms. Participants will be assessed for their impulsivity and suicidal thoughts, and the data collected will inform future larger studies. The study is particularly significant as there are currently no effective treatments for these co-occurring conditions in this population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* 22-65 years of age
* can read and speak English
* meets criteria for mTBI according to the symptom attribution and classification (SACA) scale
* Has a C-SSRS (suicidal ideation rating) of \>1 within the past month
* Has a history of impulsivity documented in the medical chart and/or a score of \>20 on the UPPS-P negative urgency impulsivity subscale

Exclusion Criteria:

* Has contraindications to iTBS (i.e., epilepsy)
* Has contraindications to MRI (i.e., claustrophobia, ferromagnetic metal implants)
* Has an active substance use disorder per the DSM-V criteria
* Has a history of moderate to severe TBI
* Has a history of non-traumatic neuroinjury (i.e., stroke, neurosurgery, hemorrhage)
* Has a history of, or current psychosis not due to an external cause
* Is pregnant
* Has an active, unstable medical condition
* Is within 12 weeks of a major surgery or operation
* Is within 1 year of TBI

Where it's running

• Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL
  Hines, Illinois, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Alexandra L Aaronson, MD — Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL
• Study coordinator: Alexandra L Aaronson, MD
• Email: Alexandra.Aaronson@va.gov
• Phone: (708) 202-8387

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.