Noninvasive Cerebellar Brain Stimulation to Study Hunger and Fullness in Adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how a noninvasive brain stimulation technique called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation rTMS might affect hunger and feelings of fullness in people with Prader-Willi syndrome. This condition is associated with severe overeating, and the study aims to understand how stimulating a specific brain area, the cerebellum, may impact these symptoms. The study is sponsored by Brigham and Womens Hospital and involves adults aged 18 to 64 years. Participants will receive daily targeted rTMS treatments to the cerebellum for one week. This procedure uses a magnetic coil held by the scalp to create a magnetic field that temporarily changes brain activity. The rTMS method used, called intermittent theta burst stimulation iTBS, is designed to modulate brain circuits linked to appetite control. During the study, participants will be monitored at baseline and then again one week after the rTMS treatment to measure brain responses using BOLD imaging and to assess retention in study assessments. Researchers will also track how long it takes to enroll subjects over the course of up to 18 months. The study does not involve masking or placebo and focuses on understanding brain function related to hyperphagia in Prader-Willi syndrome.

Cerebellar TMS and Satiety in Prader-Willi Syndrome