Personalized EEG-Based Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment for PTSD in Veterans and First Responders

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the use of Electroencephalogram EEG based Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation eTMS to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD in military veterans and first responders. This randomized, sham-controlled study aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of personalized eTMS treatment in reducing PTSD symptoms. The study is recruiting 110 participants aged 22 to 65 years with diagnosed PTSD lasting at least six months and meeting specific symptom severity criteria. Participants will undergo an EEG recording first to customize the eTMS treatment parameters. The treatment phase consists of 15 in-office visits over 21 to 28 days. Each visit includes two 15-minute eTMS sessions delivered at 80% motor threshold with pulse frequencies between 8 and 13 Hz. Sessions include 5-second pulse trains followed by 20-second intervals, with a rest of at least 30 minutes between the two daily sessions. A sham treatment arm follows the same schedule but with no actual magnetic stimulation. Throughout the study, participants will be assessed for changes in PTSD symptoms using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 PCL-5 from baseline to the end of treatment. Safety will also be monitored by recording any adverse events during the treatment period. The total study duration from first participant enrollment to last treatment is about 10 months, and participants will complete all visits and assessments within the treatment window of 21 to 28 days.

EEG-based Personalized Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (eTMS) to Treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder