🔎 Trials Near Me

Home › Depression › NCT04263285

Treatment of Depression Post-SCI

Recruiting

Treatment of Depression Post-SCI: Retrospective Analysis and Feasibility Trial

Who can join

Ages 18 to 70 · All sexes

Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria:

1. Age 18 - 70;
2. At least 6 months post incomplete cervical or incomplete or complete thoracic level SCI;
3. Have at least partial active movement of the right thumb (abductor pollicis brevis) to allow for FDA approved rTMS dosing;
4. Major depressive disorder, as identified through screening tools;
5. No antidepressant medications or no change in doses of psychotropic medication(s) for at least 4 weeks prior to the study (6 weeks if newly initiated medication).

Exclusion criteria:

1. Concomitant neurologic diseases/disorders or dementia;
2. Cognitive impairment, as identified through a screening tool (Montreal Cognitive Assessment);
3. History of major head trauma as identified through a screening tool (Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method);
4. History of psychosis or other Axis I disorder that is primary;
5. Positive screen for bipolar disorder, as identified through a screening tool (The Mood Disorder Questionnaire);
6. Life expectancy \<1 year;
7. Attempt of suicide in the last 2 years;
8. Electronic or metallic implants (i.e. metal in the head, cochlear implant, or pacemaker);
9. History of seizures or currently prescribed anti-seizure medications;
10. Taking medication that increases the risk of seizures;
11. Pregnancy as identified through a positive pregnancy test;
12. Inability or unwillingness of subject or legal guardian/representative to give informed consent.

About the study

Depression is more common after a spinal cord injury (SCI) than in the general population. Unfortunately, it is unknown how depression is typically treated in individuals with SCI or if commonly used treatment methods are effective. This study will investigate the safety and impact of a novel method for treating depression called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). rTMS is a type of non-invasive brain stimulation. Fourteen individuals with a cervical or thoracic level SCI and depression will complete an approved treatment plan using rTMS. Participants will be treated using rTMS five days a week for four weeks. After four weeks of treatment, the study team will review the safety of rTMS and assess changes in depressive symptoms. If the results are positive, larger studies can be designed to develop better treatment options for individuals with SCI and depression.

What is being tested

Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina · Participants: 14 · Started: 2026-10

Contact the study team

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT04263285

Locations in the U.S.

South CarolinaMedical University of South Carolina, Charleston

Conditions

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Oct 1, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.