Actively Recruiting
Cortical Excitability in Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome
Led by University of Pittsburgh ยท Updated on 2025-08-24
110
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying differences in brain activity between people with cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) and healthy individuals. This exploratory study uses a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to assess how the brain's cortex responds in these two groups. The goal is to understand cortical excitability patterns in CVS compared to healthy controls. The study involves stimulating the motor cortex with paired-pulse TMS, which measures the brain's response through muscle activity. Different timing intervals between pulses are used to evaluate various types of brain inhibition and facilitation. The study includes two groups: participants diagnosed with CVS and healthy control subjects without CVS. Autonomic function is also monitored using continuous EKG recordings to see how it might affect brain excitability. Participants will attend multiple study sessions over up to 12 months where brain and heart activity will be assessed. Measurements include paired-pulse ratios, motor thresholds, cortical silent periods, and heart rate variability. Clinical, demographic, and autonomic data will be collected to analyze their relationship with brain excitability. The study aims to gather detailed information about brain function in CVS while monitoring participant health throughout the study period.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Cortical Excitability in Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Diagnosis of cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS)
You will not qualify if you...
- History of cyclic vomiting syndrome for healthy control participants only
- Psychosis or altered cognitive status
- History of head injury, metal in the skull, stroke, seizures, or syncope (fainting or passing out)
- Presence of implantable devices such as pacemakers or nerve stimulators
- Current use of medications or substances known to lower seizure threshold, including clozapine, chlorpromazine, amphetamines, methamphetamine, Ecstasy, Ketamine, PCP, cocaine, or consuming 3 or more alcoholic drinks per day
- Pregnancy
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.
Duration - Multiple study sessions spanning up to 12 months
Participants undergo Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) paired-pulse assessments to measure cortical excitability and electromyographic responses, along with autonomic activity monitoring using EKG.
Multiple visits over 12 months
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15232
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
P
Paul HM Kullmann, PhD
D
David J Levinthal, MD PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here