Using rTMS to treat impulse control disorders in Parkinson's disease

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 evaluates the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on impulse control symptoms in patients with Parkinson's Disease who experience impulse control disorders. Participants will undergo both active rTMS and sham rTMS sessions in a randomized order, followed by neurocognitive tasks and questionnaires to assess changes in behavior and cognitive functions related to impulse control. The trial aims to determine if rTMS can improve impulse control and cognitive behaviors linked to these disorders.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Clinician-confirmed diagnosis of PD
* Ability to provide informed consent, written and verbal
* Clinician-diagnosed impulse control disorder or impulse control behaviors including punding/hobbyism and dopamine dysregulation syndrome
* A Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) (Beck et al., 1961) score of 14 or lower
* A Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) (Nasreddine et al., 2005) score of 20 or higher
* On dopamine-replacement therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of seizures or epilepsy
* History of brain lesions (such as multiple sclerosis, tumor) reported
* History of vascular issues in the brain, such as stroke
* History of a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury
* Meeting the criteria for a major psychiatric illness such as schizophrenia or depression (BDI score of 14 or higher).
* Having significant cognitive impairment (assessed by MoCA, cutoff score of 20) (Nasreddine, et al., 2005)
* Having had TMS done in the recent past (within a year)
* Pregnancy assessed in female patients
* Intracranial metallic objects (except for dental fillings)
* Current use of substances or medications known to significantly reduce seizure threshold.

Where it's running

• West Virginia University Hospitals
  Morgantown, West Virginia, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Mariya V Cherkasova, PhD — West Virginia University
• Study coordinator: Mariya V Cherkasova, PhD
• Email: mariya.cherkasova@mail.wvu.edu
• Phone: 2403673068

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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.