Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Effects Using Magnetoencephalography (MEG) Study

Launched by WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · Jan 7, 2025

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ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at the effects of a treatment called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) on individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). AUD is a condition where people have a strong urge to drink alcohol, often leading to problems in their lives. TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain and may help in changing how the brain responds to alcohol cravings. The researchers will use a technology called Magnetoencephalography (MEG) to measure brain activity and understand how TMS might work in people with AUD.

To participate in the study, you must be between the ages of 18 and 75 and either have a diagnosis of AUD (which means you drink heavily and have significant issues related to alcohol) or not have AUD at all. The study is currently recruiting participants, and they will assess your health history to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. If you join the study, you can expect to undergo TMS sessions and have your brain activity monitored to help researchers gather important information for future studies on treating AUD. It's important to note that the trial has specific exclusions, such as certain psychiatric disorders or health issues, to ensure everyone's safety during the study.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria non-AUD Participants:
• • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) score for AUD = 0
• • Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score ≤ 7
• • Is not a heavy alcohol consumer
• Inclusion Criteria AUD Participants:
• • DSM-5 score for AUD ≥ 3
• • AUDIT score ≥ 8
• • Is a heavy alcohol consumer
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Current substance use disorder other than alcohol use disorder and/or frequent use of non-prescribed psychoactive substances.
• • Current serious psychiatric disorder, and/or any history of a psychotic disorder
• • Any health problem that would interfere with the study or could be aggravated by study procedures (e.g., history of migraines, claustrophobia).
• • Is currently taking or initiates a medication known to affect alcohol intake and/or craving.
• • History of traumatic brain injury resulting in hospitalization, loss of consciousness, and/or having ever been informed he/she has an epidural, subdural, or subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• • Does not meet safety criteria for TMS or MRI.
• • Females of childbearing potential who are pregnant (by urine HCG), planning to become pregnant, nursing, or who are not using a reliable form of birth control.
• • Is at an elevated risk of seizure (i.e. has a history of seizures, is currently prescribed medications known to lower seizure threshold and has had a change in their medication).
• • Clinical Intake Withdrawal Assessment (CIWA\>5) (to prevent delivering TMS to individuals in withdrawal).
• • Not able to read and understand questionnaires, assessments, and/or the informed consent.