tDCS and Cognitive Training in Active Duty Service Members With Mild TBI: A Pilot Study

Description

The proposed study will evaluate a new approach to cognitive rehabilitation of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) using a brain stimulation technique called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Specifically, we will investigate how tDCS combined with cognitive training improves deficits to attention and working memory in Active Duty Service Members with a history of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Measures of attention-related brain activity, neurocognitive assessments, and self-reported clinical outcomes will be used to determine effects of tDCS vs. sham tDCS when paired with a cognitive training intervention. By doing this study, we hope to find a reliable, noninvasive, and efficient method of treating mild TBI cognitive symptoms.

Conditions

Brain Concussion, Brain Trauma, Attention Concentration Difficulty, Brain Injuries, Brain Injuries, Traumatic, Neurocognitive Dysfunction, Attention Impaired, Memory Impairment, Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Mild Cognitive Impairment

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

The proposed study will evaluate a new approach to cognitive rehabilitation of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) using a brain stimulation technique called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Specifically, we will investigate how tDCS combined with cognitive training improves deficits to attention and working memory in Active Duty Service Members with a history of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Measures of attention-related brain activity, neurocognitive assessments, and self-reported clinical outcomes will be used to determine effects of tDCS vs. sham tDCS when paired with a cognitive training intervention. By doing this study, we hope to find a reliable, noninvasive, and efficient method of treating mild TBI cognitive symptoms.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Cognitive Training to Improve Concentration and Working Memory in Active Duty Service Members Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI): A Pilot Study

tDCS and Cognitive Training in Active Duty Service Members With Mild TBI: A Pilot Study

Condition
Brain Concussion
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

San Diego

Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California, United States, 92134

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * (1) Have a remote history mild traumatic brain injury as defined by the VA/DoD clinical practice guidelines(The Management of Concussion/mTBI Working Group, 2016) that is \>/= 6 months, and report moderate severity neurocognitive symptoms related to attention, concentration, working memory, or memory based on NSI scores and self-report.
  • * (2) Are between the ages of 18-55.
  • * (3) Are stable on any medications for at least 2 weeks at the baseline visit (Visit #1).
  • * (1) Have a history of seizures or epilepsy.
  • * (2) Have a history of ECT or cortical energy exposure within the past 12 months, including participation in any other neuromodulation studies.
  • * (3) Have current stimulant dependence.
  • * (4) Have a diagnosis of intellectual disability or pervasive developmental disorder (i.e. premorbid IQ less than or equal to 70).
  • * (5) Have any medical condition or treatment other than mild TBI (e.g. stroke, tumor, HIV, moderate-severe TBI), with significant neurological disorder or insults that, based on the Principal Investigator's judgement, would impact risk.
  • * (6) Diagnosed with current active psychosis or mania.
  • * (7) Have metallic cranial plates/screws or implanted device,
  • * (8) Have eczema on scalp or other scalp lesions or skin disorders that may become irritated by stimulation.
  • * (9) Pregnant individuals and individuals with ferromagnetic metal in their body that would prohibit them from being safe in the MRI will not be excluded from the overall study, but will be excluded from the optional MRI.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 55 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

United States Naval Medical Center, San Diego,

Lars D Hungerford, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, United States Naval Medical Center, San Diego

Study Record Dates

2025-08-30