Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of Functional MRI-Guided Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Study

Summary

This study tests a new brain stimulation treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that affects millions after trauma, causing symptoms like flashbacks, avoidance, mood changes, and heightened alertness. The investigators will enroll 15 adults (ages 18-65) with PTSD. First, participants get a brain scan (fMRI) to map their unique brain connections between areas involved in fear and control-the right amygdala (fear center) and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (control area). Using this personalized map, the investigators will apply accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a safe, non-invasive method using magnetic pulses to adjust brain activity. Treatment lasts 5 days (10 short sessions daily, totaling 90,000 pulses) targeting the identified spot to strengthen control over fear responses. The study checks if this approach is practical, safe (tracking side effects like headaches), and shows early signs of reducing PTSD symptoms (measured by questionnaires and interviews). Follow-up lasts 3 months, with repeat scans to see brain changes. This study will see if personalized, fast-paced TMS targeting the disrupted fear-control brain circuit in PTSD can be feasible and safe, and preliminarily reduce symptoms by improving brain connectivity, potentially offering a quicker alternative to standard treatments.

Description