Personalized Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (PrTMS) for Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Massachusetts General Hospital
Summary
This study is testing a personalized form of brain stimulation called PrTMS as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military service members and veterans. Unlike standard approaches, this treatment uses a simple brainwave test (EEG) to tailor the therapy to each individual. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active treatment or a comparison (sham) treatment over 6 weeks. Researchers will track changes in PTSD symptoms, mood, sleep, and overall well-being, including using wearable devices to measure things like sleep and heart rate. The goal is to see whether this personalized approach can provide greater and longer-lasting relief for individuals living with PTSD.
Description
This study is a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial evaluating a personalized approach to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (PrTMS) for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military service members and veterans. PrTMS integrates spectral electroencephalography (sEEG) with neurocognitive assessments to individualize stimulation parameters, including frequency and intensity, and to allow for dynamic adjustment over the course of treatment based on each participant's evolving neurophysiological profile. Participants will undergo a 6-week treatment proto…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Reserve or former member of the military (veteran status) * Age 18 years or older * Primary diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) confirmed by the - Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) * Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) score ≥ 33, indicating clinically significant PTSD symptoms * Proficient in English (spoken and written) to ensure understanding of study procedures and informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * History of open-skull traumatic brain injury * Clinically significant seizure disorder or history of manic…
Interventions
- DeviceTranscranial Magnetic Stimulation
Personalized repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (PrTMS) is delivered using the Neurocare Apollo TMS Therapy System for 30 minutes per session, 5 days per week, over 6 weeks. Stimulation parameters (frequency 8-13 Hz and intensity typically 50-60% of motor threshold) are individualized based on baseline and serial spectral EEG (sEEG) assessments, with adjustments made throughout treatment to optimize response.
- DeviceTranscranial Magnetic Stimulation Sham
Sham stimulation will be delivered using the same Neurocare Apollo TMS Therapy System as the active intervention, with identical treatment schedule (5 days per week for 6 weeks; 30 minutes per session). A sham coil identical in appearance to the active coil will be used, which does not generate a therapeutic magnetic field. To mimic the sensory experience of active treatment, the sham procedure will produce similar auditory clicking and will include a surface electrical stimulation (TENS) applied to the forehead to replicate scalp sensations and mild muscle contraction. This approach is designed to maintain blinding while delivering no active neuromodulatory effect.
Location
- Home BaseCharlestown, Massachusetts