Neuromodulation-assisted Ego-disengagement: The NEURO-EGO Study Stage 2
Launched by UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN, MADISON · Sep 17, 2024
Trial Information
Current as of August 19, 2025
Not yet recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
The NEURO-EGO Study Stage 2 is a clinical trial designed to explore whether brain stimulation technology can help people achieve a meditative state more easily and quickly, without needing years of meditation practice. The researchers hope this technique will allow participants to better manage their thoughts and feelings, leading to improvements in their overall openness and wellbeing, similar to the benefits of traditional meditation.
To participate in this study, individuals must be between the ages of 18 and 55, healthy, and able to speak English. Unfortunately, those with certain medical histories, such as neurological disorders or mental health issues, cannot join. Participants will complete questionnaires, try a guided meditation task called The Bell Task, wear a special cap to monitor brain activity, and receive brain stimulation. It's important to note that this study is not yet recruiting participants, so there will be no immediate involvement.
Gender
ALL
Eligibility criteria
- Inclusion Criteria:
- • Adults, ages 18 to 80 of any identified gender
- • Medically healthy
- • English-speaking (able to provide consent and complete questionnaires)
- • Healthy adults who are meditation-naïve
- Exclusion Criteria:
- • Any current or past history of neurological disorders or acquired neurological disease (e.g. stroke, traumatic brain injury), including intracranial lesions
- • Any current or past history of bipolar disorder and/or hypomania
- • Any current or past history of psychosis
- • History of head trauma resulting in prolonged loss of consciousness; or a history of \>3 grade I concussions
- • Current history of poorly controlled headaches including intractable or poorly controlled migraines
- • Any systemic illness or unstable medical condition that may cause a medical emergency in case of a provoked seizure (cardiac malformation, cardiac dysrhythmia, asthma, etc.)
- • History of fainting spells of unknown or undetermined etiology that might constitute seizures
- • History of seizures, diagnosis of epilepsy, history of abnormal (epileptiform) EEG, or family history of treatment resistant epilepsy with the exception of a single seizure of benign etiology (e.g. febrile seizures) in the judgment of a board-certified neurologist
- • Possible pregnancy. All female participants of child-bearing age are required to have a pregnancy test
- • Any metal in the brain, skull or head
- • Any contraindications to MRI
- • Any medical devices or implants (i.e. cardiac pacemaker, medication infusion pump, cochlear implant, vagal nerve stimulator, dental implants) unless otherwise approved by the responsible MD
- • Substance abuse or dependence within the past six months
- • Any medication that may alter seizure threshold i.e., ADHD stimulants (Adderall, amphetamine); Tricyclic/atypical antidepressants (Amitriptyline, Dioxepine, Imipramine Maprotiline, Nortriptyline, Bupropion); Antipsychotics (Chlorpromazine, Clozapine), Bronchodilators (theophylline, aminophylline); Antibiotics (fluoroquinolones, imipenem, penicillin, cephalosporins, metronidazole, isoniazid); Antiviral (Valacyclovir, Ritonavir); OTC (Diphenhydramine)
- • Claustrophobia (a fear of small or closed places)
- • Back problems that would prevent lying flat for up to two hours
- • Severe motion sickness
- • Fear of heights
- • Exposure to traumatic events
About University Of Wisconsin, Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a leading research institution renowned for its commitment to advancing healthcare through innovative clinical trials. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, the university leverages its extensive resources, including cutting-edge facilities and a diverse pool of expert researchers, to conduct rigorous studies that address critical health challenges. The institution's focus on translating research findings into practical applications fosters the development of new treatments and interventions, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes and public health initiatives. As a sponsor of clinical trials, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is dedicated to upholding the highest ethical standards and ensuring participant safety throughout the research process.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Patients applied
Trial Officials
Melanie Boly, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported