Treatment of Depression Post-SCI: Retrospective Analysis and Feasibility Trial
Medical University of South Carolina
Summary
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.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–70 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion criteria: 1. Age 18 - 70; 2. At least 6 months post incomplete cervical or incomplete or complete thoracic level SCI; 3. Have at least partial active movement of the right thumb (abductor pollicis brevis) to allow for FDA approved rTMS dosing; 4. Major depressive disorder, as identified through screening tools; 5. No antidepressant medications or no change in doses of psychotropic medication(s) for at least 4 weeks prior to the study (6 weeks if newly initiated medication). Exclusion criteria: 1. Concomitant neurologic diseases/disorders or dementia; 2. Cognitive impairment, as id…
Interventions
- DevicerTMS
The study team will deliver rTMS five days a week for four weeks, according to a specific and approved protocol for participant positioning, motor threshold determination, and dosing.
Location
- Medical University of South CarolinaCharleston, South Carolina