Targeting the Salience Network: A Mini-Review on a Novel Neuromodulation Approach for Treating Alcohol Use Disorder.
Claudia B Padula, Lea-Tereza Tenekedjieva, Daniel M McCalley...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35656355Actively Recruiting
Phase Not Applicable
Age: 18Years - 75Years
All Genders
ID06949423
Accessing the Impact of Deep TMS Neuromodulation on Neural Circuits Associated With Alcohol Use Disorder
Led by Stanford University · Updated on 2026-05-15
100
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
S
Stanford University
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the use of deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) as a treatment for Veterans with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), aiming to reduce the high relapse rates common in this condition. This study focuses on targeting specific brain circuits, especially the salience network and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), which are linked to relapse risk. Previous studies have shown that modifying these brain areas may affect drinking behavior and improve outcomes. Participants will receive either active or sham dTMS using the H7 coil aimed at the dACC and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Treatments are given three times per day over 10 consecutive business days, totaling 30 sessions. Each session lasts about 30 minutes. The study compares the effects of active stimulation versus a sham procedure to assess changes in brain function and drinking behavior. During the study, participants will undergo brain imaging with fMRI to measure changes in dACC activation and salience network connectivity shortly after treatment. Drinking patterns will be tracked using the Timeline Followback method over three months after treatment. The researchers will monitor relapse status, alcohol consumption, and brain activity to evaluate treatment effects. The total participation period spans the treatment phase plus follow-up assessments to understand how long benefits may last.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Assessing the Impact of dTMS on Neural Targets Associated With Alcohol Use Disorder
Who Can Participate
Age: 18Years - 75Years
All Genders
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 to 75 years
- Current diagnosis of moderate to severe Alcohol Use Disorder with at least 4 DSM-5 symptoms
- Ability to obtain a Motor Threshold during screening
- Stable condition and environment to attend clinic visits
- Able to read, understand, and sign informed consent
- Stable medication regimen if on treatment for other symptoms during the study
- Fluency in English
You will not qualify if you...
- Presence of implanted devices such as pacemaker, cochlear implant, deep brain stimulator, or metal near treatment area
- Contraindications to TMS or MRI including claustrophobia, pregnancy, or breastfeeding
- Medical or neurological conditions interfering with participation
- Unable to safely stop medications that increase seizure risk at least two weeks before treatment
- Current substance abuse other than caffeine or nicotine
- History of CNS disease, seizures, or seizure disorders
- Recent suicide attempt or active suicidal plan
- Severe vision, hearing, or hand movement impairments
- Traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness over 10 minutes
- Use of benzodiazepine, neuroleptic, or seizure-threshold altering medications
- Acute or unstable chronic illness
- History of bipolar disorder or psychosis
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
1
2
3
Your Study Journey
Screening
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Treatment
Duration - 10 consecutive business days
Participants receive 30 sessions of deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) targeting the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC). Sessions are administered 3 times per day over 10 consecutive business days.
30 treatment visits (in-person)
Follow-up
Duration - 3 months post treatment
Participants are monitored after treatment to assess changes in brain function and drinking behavior over time.
Assessments at 1 to 4 days post treatment and at 3 months post treatment
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
VA Palo Alto Health Care System
Palo Alto, California, United States, 94304
Actively Recruiting
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Research Team
S
Samantha J Ward, BS
E
Eileen G Fischer, BS
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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Published Research Related To This Trial
Accelerated deep TMS in alcohol use disorder: A preliminary pilot trial targeting the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex increases neural target engagement and abstinence.
Claudia B Padula, Lea-Tereza Tenekedjieva, Daniel M McCalley...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39265786Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Alcohol Dependence: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Proof-of-Concept Trial Targeting the Medial Prefrontal and Anterior Cingulate Cortices.
Maayan Harel, Irene Perini, Robin Kämpe...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35067356Cortico-Striatal-Thalamic Loop Circuits of the Salience Network: A Central Pathway in Psychiatric Disease and Treatment.
Sarah K Peters, Katharine Dunlop, Jonathan Downar
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28082874Neurocircuitry of addiction.
George F Koob, Nora D Volkow
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19710631