Can Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Decrease Food Reinforcement

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Dale Bond, PhD

Research Sponsored by Hartford Hospital

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

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

Must have

Be 18-60 years of age

Seeking to undergo primary (not revisional) bariatric surgery at HH

Must not have

Noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus

History of any neurological disorder that would increase seizure risk from rTMS such as stroke, brain lesions, previous neurosurgery, any history of seizure or fainting episode of unknown cause, or head trauma resulting in loss of consciousness, lasting over 30 minutes or with sequela lasting longer than one month

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up the rrv score will be obtained immediately before and immediately after the rtms and immediately before and after the sham tms

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial will explore if rTMS can reduce the reinforcing value of food and related reward processes in people who find food highly rewarding, compared to an alternative reinforcer.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for adults aged 18-60 who are planning to have bariatric surgery, can consent in English, and typically eat breakfast before 8 AM. They should not have cognitive impairments or ADHD, with an IQ of at least 80. Participants must also exhibit high levels of pleasure-driven eating and overeating susceptibility but meet safety standards for EEG and rTMS procedures.

What is being tested?

The study tests if transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can reduce the desire to eat for pleasure rather than hunger among preoperative bariatric patients. It involves two sessions: one with real rTMS and another with sham (fake) treatment, both targeting the brain's reward centers while measuring food reinforcement value against money.

What are the potential side effects?

While side effects are not detailed here, typical ones from rTMS may include headache, scalp discomfort at the site of stimulation, tingling or spasms in facial muscles, lightheadedness, or seizures (very rare).

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

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

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I am between 18 and 60 years old.

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I am planning to have my first weight loss surgery at HH.

Exclusion Criteria

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

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I have hearing loss or ringing in my ears due to loud noise.

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I have no history of neurological disorders or events that increase seizure risk.

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I am not using any experimental drugs or medications that affect seizures.

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I am currently being treated for a heart condition or stroke.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ the rrv score will be obtained immediately before and immediately after the rtms and immediately before and after the sham tms

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~the rrv score will be obtained immediately before and immediately after the rtms and immediately before and after the sham tms

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and the rrv score will be obtained immediately before and immediately after the rtms and immediately before and after the sham tms for reporting.