Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, a Form of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation, as a Possible Treatment for Post-stroke Fatigue
Neuromodulation for Rehabilitation of Post-Stroke Fatigue: An rTMS Pilot Study
Who can join
Ages 34 to 80 · All sexes
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * More than 6 months post-stroke * Clinically present fatigue Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)/repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), e.g., implanted metal within the head, history of seizures * Inability to follow simple three-step instructions * Diagnosed comorbid neurological conditions (e.g. multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, moderate/severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) * Pregnancy * Strokes within stimulation sites * Pregnancy * Severe hypertension (resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) \> 200, DBP \> 120)
About the study
This experimental trial is investigating the use of magnetic stimulation of the brain as a possible treatment for post-stroke fatigue in people who have had a stroke more than six months prior to enrolling. Fatigue is a common condition after a stroke and can negatively impact an individual's ability to perform desired social and physical activities. Magnetic stimulation of the brain has been shown to improve signs and symptoms of related psychological (e.g., depression) conditions. Participants in this trial will receive a type of magnetic stimulation called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, or rTMS. The investigators will measure feelings of fatigue and other clinical characteristics related to mood and cognition before and after participants receive rTMS.
What is being tested
- High frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (device)
- Sham repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (device)
Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development · Participants: 60 · Started: Apr 10, 2023
Contact the study team
- John H Kindred · Phone: (970) 426-9350
- Saijleen Chawla, BS · Phone: (470) 433-7967
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT05584124
Locations in the U.S.
| Georgia | Atlanta VA Medical and Rehab Center, Decatur, GA, Decatur |
| South Carolina | Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston (Not yet recruiting) |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 29, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.