Frontal iTBS for Impulsivity and Suicidal Ideation in Veterans With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Description

The investigators hope to develop a treatment for suicidal ideation (SI), impulsivity and functional impairments (such as difficulties in social and work settings) that occur after a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). These conditions have been shown to be linked. The investigators are using a high-powered magnetic pulse, called intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) applied to the head to see if it can improve these symptoms. The high-powered magnetic pulse causes certain cells in the brain to activate, which seems to strengthen connections between parts of the brain. The purpose of this research is to gather early information on the safety and effectiveness of iTBS provided to the front of the head for impulsivity, SI and functional deficits after mTBI. The investigators plan to use the data collected in this study to develop larger studies in the future. iTBS is FDA approved, but not for these specific symptoms, or in the specific location the investigators are placing it. The investigators are testing to see if its effective for the above conditions when applied to the front of the head.

Conditions

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Suicidal Ideation, Impulsivity

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

The investigators hope to develop a treatment for suicidal ideation (SI), impulsivity and functional impairments (such as difficulties in social and work settings) that occur after a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). These conditions have been shown to be linked. The investigators are using a high-powered magnetic pulse, called intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) applied to the head to see if it can improve these symptoms. The high-powered magnetic pulse causes certain cells in the brain to activate, which seems to strengthen connections between parts of the brain. The purpose of this research is to gather early information on the safety and effectiveness of iTBS provided to the front of the head for impulsivity, SI and functional deficits after mTBI. The investigators plan to use the data collected in this study to develop larger studies in the future. iTBS is FDA approved, but not for these specific symptoms, or in the specific location the investigators are placing it. The investigators are testing to see if its effective for the above conditions when applied to the front of the head.

Neuromodulation for Impulsivity and Suicidality in Veterans With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Common Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions

Frontal iTBS for Impulsivity and Suicidal Ideation in Veterans With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Condition
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Hines

Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL, Hines, Illinois, United States, 60141-3030

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

  • * 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
  • * 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

Ages Eligible for Study

22 Years to 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

VA Office of Research and Development,

Alexandra L Aaronson, MD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL

Study Record Dates

2028-03-31