Tracking Brain Biomarkers and Renormalization Associated with Antidepressant Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy

Date Added
April 4th, 2023
PRO Number
Pro00127417
Researcher
Andrew Manett

List of Studies


Keywords
Brain, Depression
Summary

The purpose of this study is to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to take images of a participant's brain, and then apply an investigational way of processing the image, called Individualized Network-based Single-frame Coactivation Pattern Estimation ("INSCAPE") to measure participant's brain activity. This method uses a computer program to understand which parts of the brain communicate with each other and creates a map of the brain areas that are connected.

Participants being recruited in this study will include people planning to receive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ("TMS") for Major Depressive Disorder ("MDD"). Healthy participants are also being recruited. Images taken of depressed participants' brains will be compared to images of non-depressed participants' brains. Participation in this study will require three visits in which you will undergo MRI scans. The interval between each visits is about 3 weeks. Depressed participants will also complete mood assessments at several different intervals while they are receiving TMS for depression.

During each visit, MRI scans will require about 30 minutes of time in total. During the MRI scan, participants will need to stay still, relax, and keep eyes open in the scanner.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Andrew Manett
843-792-5716
manett@musc.edu

Evaluating the effects of transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) on fronto-striatal resting state functional connectivity in healthy individuals

Date Added
April 4th, 2023
PRO Number
Pro00127562
Researcher
Bashar Badran

List of Studies


Keywords
Healthy Volunteer Studies
Summary

This study is a brain imaging and brain stimulation study that will test a new form of brain stimulation which uses sound. We plan to evaluate whether transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS), will impact the way the brain communicates 10 healthy individuals. If successful, we will better understand how sound may change brain function.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Dillon Connolly
843-792-9502
connolld@musc.edu

A randomized controlled trial of smell training and trigeminal nerve stimulation in the treatment of COVID-related persistent smell loss

Date Added
May 2nd, 2023
PRO Number
Pro00127790
Researcher
Bernadette Cortese

List of Studies


Keywords
Coronavirus, Nervous System, Nose, Psychiatry
Summary

Persistent smell loss that can include diminished or distorted smell function is a common symptom of long COVID syndrome. There are limited treatment options for long COVID-related smell loss. Our study aims to determine the efficacy of two at-home treatments, smell training and non-invasive trigeminal nerve stimulation. This study requires participants to conduct daily at-home treatment sessions, attend three in-person study visits at the MUSC Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and complete electronic questionnaires over the 12-week trial, and again at the six-month timepoint. Participants in this trial may benefit directly with an improvement in sense of smell. However, participation may also help society more generally, as this study will provide new information about long COVID-related smell loss and its treatment.

Substudy

Long COVID syndrome has been associated with cognitive impairment and may be related to affected emotional regulation. This study will use a electroencephalography (EEG) to examine how the body and brain responses to emotional cues in participants who are currently undergoing treatment for COVID-related smell loss. Participation will aid in the understanding of how emotional processing in long COVID is impacted by treatment for related smell loss.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Mary Clare Koebel
843-790-3449
scent-4-longcovid@musc.edu

Targeting the Shared Substrates of Alcohol Misuse and Cognitive Impairment: Accelerated rTMS for Older Adults with Alcohol Use Disorder

Date Added
May 2nd, 2023
PRO Number
Pro00127570
Researcher
Lisa McTeague

List of Studies


Keywords
Alcohol, Brain, Psychiatry, Substance Use
Summary

Alcohol misuse is a risk factor for early onset cognitive impairment, contributing to 10% of early onset dementia, with risk corresponding to consumption. Additionally, continued drinking risks worsening cognitive decline and dementia progression, while worsening cognitive impairment contributes to drinking escalation. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been shown to improve cognition in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dimentias (ADRD) and separately reduce heavy drinking in alcohol use disorder. Our objective is to optimize rTMS for simultaneous mitigation of both drinking and cognitive dysfunction in older adults.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Charleston Alcohol Research Center
843-792-1222
alcoholstudy@musc.edu

Accelerated rTMS for Post-Stroke Apathy: Targeting Amotivation Toward Improving Whole Health and Rehabilitation Engagement

Date Added
May 16th, 2023
PRO Number
Pro00126436
Researcher
Parneet Grewal

List of Studies

Keywords
Depression, Memory Loss, Stroke, Stroke Recovery
Summary

Apathy is a common set of symptoms seen in many people following a stroke. Apathy occurs when a person has lost motivation, becomes withdrawn, and stops doing things that used to be important to them. Apathy has a large negative impact on a person's quality of life, and can also have a large impact the people who take care of individuals with apathy. There are currently no FDA-approved treatments to help with apathy, and other services like therapy may be difficult to access for people who have had a stroke. To address this problem, we are conducting a study to find out if a form of treatment called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can be safe and helpful for people struggling with apathy after a stroke. Our study will apply a new form of rTMS which can be delivered quickly to a part of the brain called the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Our study will help establish whether this treatment is safe, comfortable, and effective for people with apathy after a stroke, and will help researchers develop new forms of treatment.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Lisa McTeague
843-792-8274
mcteague@musc.edu

At-Home Transcutaneous Auricular Neuromodulation for Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

Date Added
July 5th, 2023
PRO Number
Pro00128818
Researcher
Bashar Badran

List of Studies


Keywords
Brain
Summary

Hypermobile EDS and hypermobile spectrum disorder (collectively referred to as hEDS) are estimated to affect 1 in 500 individuals worldwide. hEDS patients have limited treatment options for their numerous symptoms that impact the quality of life. This clinical trial tests a new ear stimulation method in hEDS patients to determine if it may improve quality of life.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Dillon Connolly
843-792-9502
connolld@musc.edu

RECOVERS – Realigning Emotion and COgnition Via prEcision Regulation networkS

Date Added
July 5th, 2023
PRO Number
Pro00129566
Researcher
Lisa McTeague

List of Studies


Keywords
Healthy Volunteer Studies
Summary

In this research study, we are using examining how brain activity (electrical and blood flow) changes during tests of emotional processing and attention and memory in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. We are also using non-invasive brain stimulation to probe different parts of the brain and measuring brain activity (electrical and blood flow). This study includes healthy participants and researchers hope this will help us develop improved brain-based treatments for emotional difficulties like depression.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Sarah Huffman
8437925560
huffmans@musc.edu

Sequential Trial of Adding Buprenorphine, Cognitive Behavioral Treatment, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Improve Outcomes of Long-Term Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain (ACTION)

Date Added
January 2nd, 2024
PRO Number
Pro00130123
Researcher
Kelly Barth

List of Studies


Keywords
Drug Studies, Pain, Psychiatry, Substance Use
Summary

This study aims to investigate innovative approaches to managing chronic pain and opioid use. This study consists of two phases, each offering different treatment options. Participation is voluntary.

This study will sequentially evaluate three novel and scalable interventions for at-risk individuals on long term opioid therapy for chronic pain: (1) low-dose transdermal buprenorphine initiation without a period of opioid withdrawal; (2) a brief Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for pain (CBI); and (3) transcranial magnetic stimulation by examining standardized repeated measures of clinical outcomes at baseline, during treatment, and at follow-up.

Phase 1:
In this initial phase, all participants will have a 1-week open-label trial of buprenorphine (worn as a patch on the arm, shoulder or upper-back). This trial aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of buprenorphine in managing chronic pain and opioid use. During this phase, participants will have the opportunity to experience the effects of buprenorphine under close monitoring.

Phase 2:
After completing Phase 1, participants will have the opportunity to choose their next course of treatment. They can decide to continue with buprenorphine, and undergo a 1-week trial of either real buprenorphine or a placebo (an inactive substance). They will be randomly assigned to receive either real or placebo buprenorphine. If participants respond well to buprenorphine treatment, they may continue the medication under the care of their physician.

Alternatively, participants can explore an alternative treatment called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in Phase 2. If they opt for rTMS, they will receive either real rTMS or a sham version interspersed with cognitive-behavioral therapy for pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either real or sham rTMS.

In both phases, participants will receive close monitoring and attend regular study visits to assess safety and progress. Throughout the study, they will be asked to complete questionnaires about pain, functioning and opioid use, undergo physiological monitoring and blood samples will be collected at specific points.

It's important to note that there are potential risks associated with the study medication, such as difficulty sleeping, nausea, and dizziness. Additionally, for the rTMS arm, there is risk of mild headache, pain at the stimulation site, and there may be unknown risks related to the brain stimulation.

Participants' experience in Phase 1 will involve an open-label trial of buprenorphine, and participants' decisions in Phase 2 will determine the treatment path. While the effectiveness of these treatments is uncertain, participants will receive thorough monitoring throughout the study, and have the option to withdraw at any time. Improvement in participant symptoms is possible but not guaranteed.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Georgia Mappin
843-764-7316
mappin@musc.edu

Comparison of Theta Burst versus 10 Hz Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Craving in Smokers

Date Added
February 6th, 2024
PRO Number
Pro00121128
Researcher
Xingbao Li

List of Studies


Keywords
Brain, Healthy Volunteer Studies, Smoking
Summary

Smoking is one of the main public health problems. Smoking cessation is difficult because of nicotine dependence. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the frontal head has shown to be effective in the reduction of cigarette consumption and craving. In this study, we will evaluate the efficiency of a new form of rTMS called intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) for smoking cessation.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Morgan Dancy
843 8765-141
maddoxm@musc.edu



-- OR --