VA Office of Research and Development
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common combat-related conditions that can result in impairments in cognition, including memory, attention and multi-tasking. There are few effective interventions to improve cognition in Veterans with cognitive impairment due to these conditions. Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, like transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), can be used to stimulate activity in areas of the brain to optimize recovery and rehabilitation. In this study, the investigators are conducting a randomized controlled trial of tDCS to improve cognitive function in Veterans with cognitive impairment due to co-morbid TBI and PTSD. TDCS is remotely administered and paired with cognitive training.
This study is a double blinded randomized controlled trial of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to improve cognitive function in Veterans with cognitive impairment due to co-morbid traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Eligible Veterans who choose to enroll will be randomized to active or sham stimulation with tDCS. They will undergo 10 weekdays of stimulation (active or sham) paired with cognitive training with the mobile application BrainHQ that will be conducted remotely. The Veteran and a friend/family/caregiver will be trained to perform tDCS…
Inclusion Criteria: * History of chronic mTBI as measured by Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method * mTBI occurred \> 5 years prior to study enrollment * History of PTSD with symptoms within the last month as confirmed PTSD Checklist (past month) score greater than or equal to 33, * Cognitive impairment as defined by telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment \< 19 * No history of reported or documented age-related or neurodegenerative condition * Access to internet for 1 hour per day * Willing and able to comply with all study related procedures and capable of indep…
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a form of non-invasive brain stimulation. Participants will be randomized to active tDCS or sham tDCS for 20 minutes per day for 10 consecutive weekdays.
Participants in both arms will undergo cognitive training while tDCS (Active or Sham) is being administered. Cognitive exercises will be completed through the mobile application BrainHQ.
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