Combined Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Cognitive Treatment in Blast Traumatic Brain Injury

Combining Cognitive Treatment With Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Blast TBI

This study investigates the efficacy of a novel neurorehabilitation program combining noninvasive brain stimulation (transcranial magnetic stimulation or TMS) and cognitive therapy, on cognitive function and quality of life in individuals with blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI).

The most common blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI)-associated problems are cognitive deficits, such as executive functioning and memory. This study evaluates a combined rehabilitation program: transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and cognitive therapy for treatment of patients with bTBI. TMS is a noninvasive way of stimulating the brain, which is not painful and does not involve any needles or any form of surgery. It acts by delivering a magnetic stimulation to a particular brain region. Half of the study participants will receive cognitive intervention with active TMS, and a control group will receive cognitive intervention with sham TMS. This study takes place in Boston, Massachusetts: at the VA Boston Healthcare System and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Inclusion Criteria:

• OEF/OIF active-duty personnel or veterans exposed to blast
• Meets criteria for mild TBI
• LOC of 30 min or less
• Age: 21-50
• Primary language is English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Evidence of penetrating head injury
• History of previous neurological diagnosis
• History of previous psychotic disorder prior to the blast exposure
• Hearing or vision impairment