What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) works by generating a magnetic field that induces electrical currents in specific areas of the brain, leading to modulation of neuronal activity. This can enhance or suppress neural circuits, promoting neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. For patients, this is crucial as it can lead to improvements in conditions like migraines, depression, and other neurological disorders by targeting and modifying dysfunctional brain regions. In the context of neuroplasticity in the visual cortex, rTMS can potentially improve visual processing and attention, offering therapeutic benefits for visual and cognitive impairments.

What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is generally well-tolerated, but some common side effects include mild headaches, scalp discomfort at the stimulation site, and tingling or twitching of facial muscles. Less frequently, patients may experience lightheadedness. Serious adverse events are rare but can include seizures, particularly in individuals with a history of epilepsy. These side effects are consistent across various applications of rTMS, including those targeting neuroplasticity in the visual cortex.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has received FDA approval primarily for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in patients who have not responded to traditional therapies. The FDA approved the first rTMS device for MDD in 2008. Since then, rTMS has also been explored for other conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and tinnitus, though these uses are not yet widely approved. The study of rTMS-induced neuroplasticity in the visual cortex is an emerging area of research, and while specific FDA approvals for this application are not yet established, the foundational approval for rTMS in depression provides a basis for its broader investigation.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives to rTMS for inducing neuroplasticity in the visual cortex include Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and noninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation (nVNS). Both have shown potential in improving neurological functions and could be considered as alternative treatments.

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Noninvasive Brain Stimulation

rTMS for Brain Response

N/A

Waitlist Available

Research Sponsored by Stanford University

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

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

Must have

Be older than 18 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up 60 minutes

Summary

This trial uses magnetic fields to stimulate the brain and studies its effects on brain function and visual attention in participants.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for men and women aged 18 to 65 who understand English well, are either left- or right-handed, and have no history of neurological disorders or seizure risks. It's not suitable for those with MRI contraindications like metal implants, unstable medical conditions, head trauma history, active substance abuse, psychotic or bipolar disorders, pregnancy/breastfeeding status, or on certain medications.

What is being tested?

The study tests how rTMS (a non-invasive brain stimulation technique) affects the brain's plasticity using EEG to measure responses while participants do visual tasks. The effect of attention on these changes is also studied by having participants focus on different parts of a visual field during the task.

What are the potential side effects?

rTMS may cause discomfort at the stimulation site, headache, lightheadedness or fainting. Rarely it could induce seizures but this risk is minimized by excluding individuals with seizure histories or those taking medication that lowers seizure threshold.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ 60 minutes

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~60 minutes

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 60 minutes for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

post-rTMS change in ssVEP Response Amplitude

post-rTMS change in visual contrast perceptual sensitivity

Trial Design

6Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Placebo Group

Group I: Visual Cortex, 10 Hz rTMS, UnattendedExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Group II: Visual Cortex, 10 Hz rTMS, AttendedExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Group III: Visual Cortex, 1 Hz rTMS, UnattendedExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Group IV: Visual Cortex, 1 Hz rTMS, AttendedExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Group V: Visual Cortex, Sham, UnattendedPlacebo Group1 Intervention

Group VI: Visual Cortex, Sham, AttendedPlacebo Group1 Intervention

Treatment

First Studied

Drug Approval Stage

How many patients have taken this drug

repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation

2014

N/A

~470

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Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) works by generating a magnetic field that induces electrical currents in specific areas of the brain, leading to modulation of neuronal activity. This can enhance or suppress neural circuits, promoting neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. For patients, this is crucial as it can lead to improvements in conditions like migraines, depression, and other neurological disorders by targeting and modifying dysfunctional brain regions. In the context of neuroplasticity in the visual cortex, rTMS can potentially improve visual processing and attention, offering therapeutic benefits for visual and cognitive impairments.