Actively Recruiting
Treatment of Depression Post-SCI
Led by Medical University of South Carolina · Updated on 2026-03-04
14
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
152 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
M
Medical University of South Carolina
Lead Sponsor
T
The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Depression is more common after a spinal cord injury (SCI) than in the general population. Unfortunately, it is unknown how depression is typically treated in individuals with SCI or if commonly used treatment methods are effective. This study will investigate the safety and impact of a novel method for treating depression called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). rTMS is a type of non-invasive brain stimulation. Fourteen individuals with a cervical or thoracic level SCI and depression will complete an approved treatment plan using rTMS. Participants will be treated using rTMS five days a week for four weeks. After four weeks of treatment, the study team will review the safety of rTMS and assess changes in depressive symptoms. If the results are positive, larger studies can be designed to develop better treatment options for individuals with SCI and depression.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Treatment of Depression Post-SCI
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 to 70 years
- At least 6 months post incomplete cervical or incomplete or complete thoracic spinal cord injury
- At least partial active movement of the right thumb to allow approved rTMS dosing
- Diagnosis of major depressive disorder confirmed by screening tools
- No antidepressant or psychotropic medication changes for at least 4 weeks prior (6 weeks if newly started)
You will not qualify if you...
- Presence of other neurologic diseases or dementia
- Cognitive impairment identified by screening
- History of major head trauma
- History of psychosis or primary Axis I disorder
- Positive screen for bipolar disorder
- Life expectancy less than 1 year
- Suicide attempt in the last 2 years
- Presence of electronic or metallic implants in the head or pacemaker
- History of seizures or current anti-seizure medication use
- Use of medications that increase seizure risk
- Positive pregnancy test
- Inability or unwillingness to give informed consent
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, United States, 29425
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Catherine VanDerwerker, DPT, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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