Theta-burst Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TBS) of the Right Inferior Frontal Gyrus for Treatment of Nicotine Dependence

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA · May 20, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a treatment called theta-burst Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TBS) to see if it can help adults who smoke cigarettes and want to quit. The researchers will look at how this treatment affects participants' ability to control their impulses and their smoking habits over 12 sessions. The trial is designed to be double-blind, meaning neither the participants nor the researchers will know who is receiving the actual treatment and who is receiving a placebo (a "dummy" treatment that has no active effect).

To participate, people need to be between 18 and 65 years old, smoke more than five cigarettes a day for at least two years, and be fluent in English. However, those with certain medical conditions, a history of serious neurological issues, or specific contraindications to TMS will not be eligible. If someone qualifies, they can expect to attend multiple sessions where the TBS treatment will be administered safely. This study is a promising step toward finding new ways to help people overcome nicotine dependence.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. 18-65 yrs. of age
• • 2. Smoke \> 5 cigarettes/day for ≥ 2 yrs, and expired carbon monoxide (CO) concentration of ≥ 8 ppm
• • 3. English Fluency
• • 4. Functional Vision (with corrective lenses as needed)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Use of psychotropic and antiepileptic medications in the last month
• • 2. Presence of an untreated illness or serious medical condition
• • 3. History of major neurological illness
• • 4. Contraindication to TMS (history of neurological disorder or seizure, increased intracranial pressure, brain surgery, or head trauma with loss of consciousness for \>15 min., implanted electronic device, metal in the head)
• • 5. Any use of substances that lower seizure threshold
• • 6. Current or past psychosis
• • 7. Electroconvulsive therapy in last 6 months
• • 8. Unstable cardiac disease or hypertension, severe renal or liver insufficiency, or sleep apnea
• • 9. BAC greater than 0.0.
• • 10. Positive urine pregnancy test
• • 11. Any other concern that in the investigator's opinion would impact participant safety, study instruction compliance, or confound the interpretation of the study results