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Frontal iTBS for Impulsivity and Suicidal Ideation in Veterans With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Neuromodulation for Impulsivity and Suicidality in Veterans With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Common Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions
Who can join
Ages 22 to 65 · All sexes
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion 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 Exclusion Criteria: * 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
About the study
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.
What is being tested
- intermittent theta burst stimulation (device)
- placebo intermittent theta burst stimulation (device)
Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development · Participants: 55 · Started: May 20, 2024
Contact the study team
- Alexandra L Aaronson, MD · Phone: (708) 202-8387
- Ibuola Kale · Phone: (708) 202-5898
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT05647044
Locations in the U.S.
| Illinois | Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL, Hines |
Conditions
- Concussion
- Suicide
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Brain Injuries
- Self-Harm
- Risk-Taking
- Brain Diseases
- Head Injuries
- Mental Disorders
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.