Actively Recruiting
Dosing rTMS for Depression Post-SCI
Led by VA Office of Research and Development · Updated on 2026-01-14
24
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
134 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is more commonly seen in individual's post-spinal cord injury (SCI) than in the general population. Depression post-SCI impacts an individuals' quality of life and recovery. It has been reported that among Veterans with an SCI, those without depression live longer than those with depression. Thus, depression must be treated appropriately. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an FDA-approved treatment for depression, but dosing is based on a motor response or movement in the thumb. Over half of individuals with SCI have some degree of arm or hand impairment, so these individuals might not be eligible for rTMS, or they may receive the wrong dose. This study proposes clinical trial in individuals with depression post-SCI to assess the anti-depressant effect of a novel technique to dose rTMS that does not require a motor response in the thumb. By gaining a better understanding of the application of rTMS for depression post-SCI, the investigators aim to advance the rehabilitative care of Veterans.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Dosing rTMS for Depression Post-SCI
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Cervical or thoracic spinal cord injury at least 6 months prior with AIS A, B, C, or D
- Age between 18 and 60 years
- Diagnosis of major depressive disorder by Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-V
- Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 score greater than 18
- Not taking antidepressant medications or no change in psychotropic medication doses for at least 4 weeks (6 weeks if newly started) before the study
You will not qualify if you...
- Concomitant neurologic diseases, disorders, or dementia
- Cognitive impairment with Montreal Cognitive Assessment score less than 17
- History of psychosis or other primary Axis I disorder
- Positive screen for bipolar disorder
- History of claustrophobia
- Life expectancy less than 1 year
- Electronic or metallic implants such as metal in the head, cochlear implant, or pacemaker
- History of seizures or current use of anti-seizure medications
- Taking medication that increases seizure risk
- Pregnancy as confirmed by urine pregnancy test
- High suicide risk indicated by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 question #3 score above 2 or suicide attempt within past two years
- Inability or refusal to give informed consent
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC
Charleston, South Carolina, United States, 29401-5703
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Catherine J VanDerwerker, PhD DPT PT
CONTACT
S
Sarah A Jackson, BA MA
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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