Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable

Home-based Brain Stimulation Treatment for Post-acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC)

United States31 participantsStarted 2022-06-07

Plain-language summary

The main goal of this study is to improve dysexecutive symptoms (e.g., sustained attention, processing speed) in patients exhibiting post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) through home-based transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a noninvasive method that uses low intensity electric currents delivered to the brain through stimulation electrodes on the scalp.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Ability to provide informed consent * A diagnosis of PASC as indicated by past COVID-19 infection, and persistent symptoms, including 'brain fog', confusion, short-term memory deficits, trouble concentrating, delirium, difficulties in multitasking. Exclusion Criteria: * History of epilepsy * Metallic implants in the head and neck, * Brain stimulators * Pacemakers * Pregnancy * Active substance dependence (except for tobacco) * Premorbid major neurological illness * Severe mental illness (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) * Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Inhibitory Control

Timeframe: Baseline

Inhibitory Control

Timeframe: Posttreatment (1 month follow-up)

Processing Speed

Timeframe: Baseline

Processing Speed

Timeframe: Posttreatment (1 month follow-up)

EEG P300 Event-related Potential

Timeframe: Baseline

EEG P300 Event-related Potential

Timeframe: Posttreatment (1 month follow-up)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05092516

SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-03-13

Results submitted2026-03-12

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Dysexecutive Syndrome trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Inhibitory Control

Timeframe: Baseline

Inhibitory Control

Timeframe: Posttreatment (1 month follow-up)

Processing Speed

Timeframe: Baseline

Processing Speed

Timeframe: Posttreatment (1 month follow-up)

EEG P300 Event-related Potential

Timeframe: Baseline

EEG P300 Event-related Potential

Timeframe: Posttreatment (1 month follow-up)