EEG-based Personalized Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (eTMS) to Treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Electroencephalogram (EEG) Personalized Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (eTMS) for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

This is a randomized, sham controlled study of the Electroencephalogram (EEG) based Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (eTMS) treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The recruitment goal is 110 participants who are United States Military veterans or first responders (e.g., firefighters, police, paramedics, etc.). The Study includes an EEG recording in order to determine the optimal treatment parameters for the eTMS system, followed by 15 in-office visits that take place over 21-28 total days. Two eTMS treatment sessions are administered during each office visit.

eTMS-PTSD-001 Stage 2 is a randomized, sham controlled study with a recruitment goal of 100 subjects, with 99 completers. The Study is intended to evaluate the safety and efficacy of eTMS in the target population. A maximum of 800 individuals will be screened in order to achieve the recruitment goal. The total number of days from the first participant enrolled to the last enrolled participant treated will be approximately 10 months.

Participants will be either Veterans or First Responders (e.g., emergency medical service provider, firefighter, or any other emergency response personnel), between 22-65 years of age. Participants may be male or female of any racial/ethnic background who meet the eligibility criteria. Participants will be recruited from the general public, and from veterans and first responder organizations.

The primary outcome for the Study will be reduction in PTSD symptoms as calculated by the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) assessment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Willing and able to consent to participate in the study via signed Informed Consent
• Age 22 - 65 years
• Diagnosis of PTSD according to DSM-5 criteria via the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS).
• Onset of symptoms meeting the DSM-5 criteria for PTSD symptoms persisting for a minimum of 6 months prior to the Screening Visit
• Veterans Administration PCL-5 cut point score of 31 or above
• Positive identification as either a Veteran, or First Responder (e.g., emergency medical service provider, firefighter, or any other emergency response personnel)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Uncontrolled medical, psychological or neurological condition
• Pregnant, or female unwilling to use effective birth control during the course of the trial
• Metal objects in the head
• Past exposure to metal fragments, permanent piercings, and/or other possible metal sources in the head and neck
• Current participation in any interventional research protocol
• History of any type of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) or repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)
• History of stroke or intracranial lesion or increased intracranial pressure
• History of epilepsy of seizure
• Family history of epilepsy or seizure in 1st degree relative
• An elevated risk of suicide or violence to others