Measuring rTMS-induced Neuroplasticity With EEG Steady-state Visual-evoked Potentials
United States106 participantsStarted 2023-07-01
Plain-language summary
The goals of this study are to 1) use EEG steady-state visual evoked potentials as a noninvasive measure of the neuroplasticity induced by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), 2) use visual contrast detection paradigms as a behavioral measure of rTMS effects, and 3) to investigate how visual spatial attention augments or suppresses the neuroplastic impact of rTMS. Participants will observe visual stimuli on a screen while allocating their attention to different parts of the visual field and making responses when they observe changes in the visual stimuli. rTMS is performed to visual cortex using MRI-retinotopy neuronavigation. Then the visual task paradigm is performed again.
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:
* Men and women, ages 18 to 65
* Must comprehend English well to ensure adequate comprehension of the EEG and TMS instructions, and of clinical scales
* Left- or Right-handed
* No current or history of neurological disorders
* No seizure disorder or risk of seizures
Exclusion Criteria:
* Those with a contraindication for MRIs (e.g. implanted metal)
* Any unstable medical condition
* History of head trauma with loss of consciousness
* History of seizures
* Neurological or uncontrolled medical disease
* Active substance abuse
* Diagnosis of psychotic or bipolar disorder
* Currently taking medications that substantially reduce seizure threshold (e.g., bupropion, olanzapine, chlorpromazine, lithium)
* Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
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
1
post-rTMS change in ssVEP Response Amplitude
Timeframe: 60 minutes
2
post-rTMS change in visual contrast perceptual sensitivity