Transcranial Stimulation for Memory Loss (GWI HDtDCS Trial)

N/A

Recruiting

Led By John Hart, Jr, MD

Research Sponsored by The University of Texas at Dallas

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Between the ages of 18 and 50 years old DURING SERVICE in the Gulf War (born between 1940 and 1973)

Be older than 18 years old

Must not have

Non-English speakers because not all of the screening forms, questionnaires, and tests are available in any language except English

A history of a neurological disorder, including dementia of any type, moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), brain tumors, present or past drug abuse, stroke, blood vessel abnormalities in the brain, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, or multiple sclerosis. Traumatic brain injury will be screened by history

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up beginning of hd tdcs/sham treatment, after hdtdcs/sham (2 weeks), at 3 month follow-up and 6 month follow-up

Summary

This trial is testing a non-invasive, non-pharmacological treatment using electric current to stimulate specific brain regions in order to improve word retrieval in Gulf War Illnesses patients.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for US Gulf War veterans who served between 1990-1991, are right-handed, and were aged 18-50 during service. Participants must understand English and be able to consent. Excluded are those with neurological disorders, severe TBI, drug abuse history, certain medication use, pacemakers or metal in the head.

What is being tested?

The study tests High Definition transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD tDCS) on brain regions linked to word retrieval in Gulf War Illness patients. It compares active HD tDCS against a sham (inactive) treatment over ten sessions to see if it improves verbal abilities.

What are the potential side effects?

While the investigators expect few side effects from HD tDCS treatment aimed at improving conversational abilities in GWI veterans, potential mild side effects might include discomfort at the stimulation site or temporary headaches.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

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I served in the Gulf War and was between 18 and 50 years old at that time.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

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I am not fluent in English.

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I have a history of serious brain conditions or injuries.

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I don't have a pacemaker, medication pumps, severe heart disease, or non-removable metal near my head.

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I am not taking any medication that affects brain stimulation therapy.

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I am able to understand and agree to the study's procedures and risks.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ beginning of hd tdcs/sham treatment, after hdtdcs/sham (2 weeks), at 3 month follow-up and 6 month follow-up

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~beginning of hd tdcs/sham treatment, after hdtdcs/sham (2 weeks), at 3 month follow-up and 6 month follow-up

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and beginning of hd tdcs/sham treatment, after hdtdcs/sham (2 weeks), at 3 month follow-up and 6 month follow-up for reporting.