Magnetic Resonance Analysis of Neural Inflammatory Factors and External Stimulation

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO · Apr 15, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating a new treatment for people experiencing ongoing symptoms after COVID-19, often referred to as Long COVID. The researchers want to see if a type of brain stimulation called accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) can help improve symptoms like brain fog, depression, and anxiety. They will compare this active treatment to a placebo (a sham treatment that does not have real effects) to determine if iTBS is effective in reducing these symptoms. Participants will complete surveys about their symptoms, take cognitive tests, and undergo brain scans at various points during the treatment to assess any changes.

To qualify for this study, participants need to be between 18 and 80 years old and have a documented diagnosis of Long COVID with ongoing symptoms, including cognitive difficulties like brain fog. They must also be fluent in English and stable on any psychiatric medications for at least a month. However, individuals with certain medical histories, such as neurological disorders or recent hospitalizations, will not be eligible for safety reasons. This trial is not currently recruiting participants, but it aims to offer new insights into treating Long COVID symptoms, which could benefit many individuals facing these challenges.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. aged 18-80
• • 2. a documented diagnosis of PASC with evidence of ongoing symptoms as demonstrated by score of 12 on the NIH RECOVER Symptom List
• • 3. have "brain fog" or cognitive difficulties as one of the ongoing symptoms
• • 4. are fluent in English
• • 5. if taking psychotropic medications, have been on stable doses for the past month.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. a prior history of other neurological disease, or any history of seizures, so as to reduce risk of exacerbation of epilepsy or other neurological symptoms;
• • 2. history of a psychotic disorder, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, so as to reduce risk of psychiatric decompensation
• • 3. history of ongoing substance/alcohol dependence, to reduce confounding effects on diagnosis and brain imaging
• • 4. presence of any implanted electrical device (e.g., pacemaker), to reduce risk of device malfunction from rTMS
• • 5. recent medical hospitalization (within four weeks), to reduce risk of medical decompensation during the study
• • 6. any condition that would prevent the subject from completing the protocol
• • 7. appointment of a legal representative, to avoid coercion of a vulnerable population
• • 8. any ongoing litigation related to medical diagnosis, or disability, to prevent interference with legal proceedings
• • 9. any contraindication to MRI
• • 10. membership in an identified vulnerable population, including minors, pregnant women, and prisoners, so as to prevent coercion.