Using rTMS to treat neuropsychiatric symptoms of Long-COVID
A Pilot Randomized Trial of rTMS for Fatigue and Brain Fog and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Long-COVID.
This study is testing whether a treatment called rTMS can help people with Long-COVID feel better by reducing symptoms like fatigue and brain fog.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, Los Angeles Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06586398 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot trial investigates the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on neuropsychiatric symptoms such as fatigue and brain fog in individuals diagnosed with Long-COVID. Twenty participants will be recruited from the UCLA Long-COVID clinic and randomly assigned to receive either active rTMS or sham stimulation over 15 sessions, followed by an additional 15 open-label rTMS treatments. The study aims to assess the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of rTMS in alleviating symptoms related to Long-COVID, providing foundational data for future larger trials.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a confirmed history of COVID-19 and subsequent development of neuropsychiatric symptoms, particularly fatigue and brain fog.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of severe mental health disorders, such as bipolar disorder or psychosis, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from debilitating neuropsychiatric symptoms of Long-COVID.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is relatively novel, previous studies have shown promise in using rTMS for various neuropsychiatric conditions, suggesting potential for success in this context.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 18+ years of age 2. Prior hx of PCR confirmed COVID-19 infection. Determined by the PI or participant's physician. 3. Subsequent development of post-acute neuropsychiatric symptoms with fatigue and brain fog as primary outcomes 4. USE of Psychotropic medications 5. Stable on psychotropic medications for 4+ months 6. Confirmed diagnosis of Long COVID 7. Subjects are willing and able to adhere to the treatment schedule and required study visits Exclusion Criteria: 1. Mentally or legally incapacitated or unable to give informed consent 2. MOCA \< or = 24 3. Infection of poor skin condition over the scalp where the rTMS device will be positioned 4. Pregnancy: Female participants will be tested for pregnancy at baseline and agree to use a medically acceptable form of birth control throughout the study, for women younger than 60. 5. Lifetime history of diagnosed bipolar disorder; psychosis, such as schizophrenia, schizophreniform, or schizoaffective disorder; intellectual disability (intellectual developmental disorder); organic brain damage; or suicide attempts in the past 24 months. 6. Severe MDD with suicidality of Psychosis- excluded 7. As-needed use of benzodiazepines and beta-blockers will be permitted but discouraged during assessment days. 8. Current abuse or dependence on alcohol or any illicit drug of abuse (disorder in last 6 months). Any recent use of cocaine or opiates will also be exclusionary. 9. Participants with asthma or with a history of serious, uncontrolled medical illness or instability (including significant cardio-pulmonary disease, organic brain including significant cardio-pulmonary syndrome, pre-existing dementia, seizure disorder, cerebrovascular disease, and diabetes) 10. Taking medications known to lower seizure thresholds (Clozaril/ Wellbutrin) 11. Neurological conditions that include epilepsy, cerebrovascular disease, dementia, increased intracranial pressure, having a history of repetitive or severe head trauma, or primary or secondary tumors in the central nervous system. 12. Presence of an implanted metallic and magnetic-sensitive medical device present in the body scan, including but not limited to a cochlear implant, infusion pump, implanted cardioverter defibrillator, pacemaker, vagus nerve stimulator, aneurysm clip, metal prosthesis, or metal aneurysm clips or coils, staples, or stents.
Where this trial is running
Los Angeles, California
- UCLA Semel Institute — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Helen Lavretsky, MD — University of California, Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Helen Lavretsky, MD
- Email: hlavretsky@mednet.ucla.edu
- Phone: (310) 794-4619
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.