Actively Recruiting
Theta Burst Modulation of Hippocampal-Cortical Rhythms in Schizophrenia Using Intracranial and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Led by Stanford University · Updated on 2026-02-27
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
S
Stanford University
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying schizophrenia, a condition marked by delusions, hallucinations, and cognitive challenges that causes significant disability. The study focuses on how brain activity in the hippocampus, a key brain region, may be influenced by non-invasive brain stimulation techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). This research aims to better understand hippocampal function in schizophrenia and explore new ways to use brain stimulation as a potential treatment. The study compares different brain stimulation methods using intracranial electrodes and TMS to deliver theta burst stimulation (TBS) to the hippocampus. Participants will receive either active TBS via direct electrical stimulation or TMS, or sham versions of these stimulations where no real current or brain stimulation is applied. These interventions will help researchers observe the effects of targeted brain stimulation on hippocampal-cortical rhythms. Participants will undergo sessions lasting about 45 minutes where brain activity is recorded using intracranial and scalp EEGs before and after stimulation. Researchers will measure changes in EEG power triggered by TBS and electrical stimulation to assess brain response. The study includes randomized assignment to treatment groups and single masking, with follow-up assessments to monitor outcomes and safety throughout the trial.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Brain Stimulation to the Hippocampus in Schizophrenia
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Men and women, ages 18 to 65 years
- Medically intractable epilepsy requiring phase II monitoring (for intracranial EEG arms only)
- Diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum disorders including delusional disorder, brief psychotic disorder, schizophreniform disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder (for non-invasive TMS-EEG arms only)
- Intellectual capacity to understand the study and provide informed consent
- No current or past major neurological disorders other than epilepsy
You will not qualify if you...
- Diagnosis of intellectual disability
- Significant head injury
- Active suicidal thoughts or suicide attempt within the past year
- Medical illness affecting brain structure or function, or unstable medical condition
- Pregnancy or postpartum less than 6 weeks after delivery or miscarriage
- Inability to provide informed consent
- Active substance abuse other than alcohol or cannabis within the past year
- Psychotic illness related to substance use or head injury
- Contraindications for MRI or TMS such as implanted metal devices
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Single sessions lasting approximately 45 minutes each
Participants receive brain stimulation using intracranial electrodes or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in a theta burst pattern, including sham stimulation sessions.
Multiple sessions depending on assigned intervention and crossover schedule
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Stanford University
Stanford, California, United States, 94305
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Study Team
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
4
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