Transcranial Electrical Stimulation for mTBI (TES for mTBI)
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ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03244475 |
Recruitment Status :
Recruiting
First Posted : August 9, 2017
Last Update Posted : December 10, 2020
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Condition or disease | Intervention/treatment | Phase |
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Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Post-traumatic Stress Disorder | Device: IASIS Micro Current Neurofeedback Device: Nexalin | Not Applicable |

Study Type : | Interventional (Clinical Trial) |
Estimated Enrollment : | 175 participants |
Allocation: | Randomized |
Intervention Model: | Parallel Assignment |
Intervention Model Description: | After consent, Visit 1 (V1) for all 3 groups will include baseline NP and MHA. Then, baseline rs-MEG and MRI will be performed in V2 for all groups. At V3 the mTBI Veterans in IASIS and sham groups will undergo a pre-session MEG, the first IASIS/Sham treatment Session (S1), and a post-session MEG. Next, the mTBI Veterans continue their IASIS/Sham treatments S2-6 in V4-8. During V9, a pair of pre- and post-MEG exams and NP will be performed. The mTBI Veterans will continue treatments S8-11 in V10-13. During V14, a pair of pre- and post-MEG exams will be performed. 1 week after the Veterans finish their final IASIS/Sham treatment S12, a 1-week follow-up MEG and NP will be conducted during V15. A subset of IASIS group will be tested 1 month after the final treatment for a follow-up MEG V16. Veterans in the mTBI-sham group will be offered the real IASIS treatment. If, after IASIS treatment is complete and participants in the mTBI group have remaining PCS, Nexalin treatment will be offered. |
Masking: | Double (Participant, Care Provider) |
Masking Description: | Sham treatment, double-blind design: During the sham treatment, we will prep and preplace the electrodes for common reference, A-, B-, plus the set of electrodes on the scalp of the participant following the 10-20 EEG configuration for A+ and A-, just like the procedure for real IASIS treatment. However, no LIP-tES pulses will be sent from the system during sham treatment, based a code entered to the system. A staff member (SRA #1) will assign a mTBI Veteran to either the mTBI-IASIS or the mTBSham group, with an attached code from an existing code bank. Then, the IASIS treatment operator (SRA #2) who is blind to the group assignment will enter the code to the IASIS system during treatments. Based on the code, the system automatically loads the protocol for either IASIS or Sham treatment. Only at the end of the study (after V16), the group assignment is revealed. Therefore, both the participant and IASIS treatment operator (SRA #2) are blind to the group assignment during the study. |
Primary Purpose: | Treatment |
Official Title: | Passive Electrical Neurofeedback Treatment of mTBI: MEG and Behavioral Outcomes |
Actual Study Start Date : | February 1, 2017 |
Estimated Primary Completion Date : | September 30, 2021 |
Estimated Study Completion Date : | December 31, 2021 |
Arm | Intervention/treatment |
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Experimental: Neurofeedback
mTBI Veterans blindly assigned to a 6 week IASIS neurofeedback treatment with two sessions per week.
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Device: IASIS Micro Current Neurofeedback
The EEG interface device is the J&J Engineering I-330 C2, provided specifically for IASIS. The EEG sampling frequency is 256 Hz on each of 2 EEG acquisition channels. The feedback LIP-tES is delivered via the 4 EEG leads (A+, A-, B+, B-), with respect to the Common Neck Reference (isolated). During each session, 2 electrodes (A- and B-) are attached to the participant's left and right mastoids, while the remaining two electrodes (A+ and B+) are moved to various locations on the scalp to record EEG signals. All four (A+, A-, B+, B-) electrodes are involved in applying weak electric current pulses back to the brain (the feedback process). The feedback signal consists two types of narrow pulse trains, both with 150 mV in amplitude: A Type 1 pulse is 25 ms in duration and contains carrier waves at ~50 KHz. The repetition rate of Type 1 pulse train is fixed at 3.6 Hz; A Type 2 pulse is 120 ns in duration and contains carrier waves at ~100 MHz.
Other Name: LIP-tES intervention |
Placebo Comparator: Sham Treatment
mTBI Veterans blindly assigned to a sham treatment for 6 weeks with two sessions per week.
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Device: IASIS Micro Current Neurofeedback
The EEG interface device is the J&J Engineering I-330 C2, provided specifically for IASIS. The EEG sampling frequency is 256 Hz on each of 2 EEG acquisition channels. The feedback LIP-tES is delivered via the 4 EEG leads (A+, A-, B+, B-), with respect to the Common Neck Reference (isolated). During each session, 2 electrodes (A- and B-) are attached to the participant's left and right mastoids, while the remaining two electrodes (A+ and B+) are moved to various locations on the scalp to record EEG signals. All four (A+, A-, B+, B-) electrodes are involved in applying weak electric current pulses back to the brain (the feedback process). The feedback signal consists two types of narrow pulse trains, both with 150 mV in amplitude: A Type 1 pulse is 25 ms in duration and contains carrier waves at ~50 KHz. The repetition rate of Type 1 pulse train is fixed at 3.6 Hz; A Type 2 pulse is 120 ns in duration and contains carrier waves at ~100 MHz.
Other Name: LIP-tES intervention |
No Intervention: Control
Veterans who are age-, gender-, education-, combat exposure-, and socioeconomically-matched. They will not undergo a treatment.
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Experimental: Nexalin
After IASIS treatment is complete and participants in the mTBI group may have remaining PCS, additional Nexalin treatment will be offered.
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Device: Nexalin
The Nexalin device, FDA clearance (501K=K024377, Classification: Stimulator, Cranial Electrotherapy: CFR 882. 5800: U.S. Patent #6904322B2), produces a waveform that provides tES to the brain delivered at a frequency of 77.5 Hz at 0 to 4 mA peak current. There is evidence that this waveform, at this frequency, results in improved clinical outcomes in terms of anxiety and pain. The specific mechanisms of action are not known, but available evidence suggests that this waveform alters the function of the hypothalamus and related structures. In particular, tES may lead to increases in levels of enkephalins and beta-endorphins in brain and CSF. Other data suggest that tES can alter endogenous levels of both substance P and serotonin. Regardless of which neuropeptide or neurotransmitter is ultimately found to be modulated by tES, it is hypothesized that repeated TES treatments over time serve to stimulate long-term neurochemical changes. |
- Change in Number of Abnormal MEG Slow-Waves [ Time Frame: Baseline through end of treatment, an average of 6 weeks ]We will develop a voxel-wise whole brain MEG source imaging approach for detecting abnormal MEG slow-waves in mTBI Veterans. MEG slow-wave source imaging will be used as an effective clinical tool for assisting in mTBI diagnosis.
- Combat and Post-battle Experiences Scales of the Deployed Risk and Resilience Inventory 2 [ Time Frame: Baseline ]At baseline, we will assess combat exposure using the Combat and Post-battle Experiences Scales of the Deployed Risk and Resilience Inventory 2 (DRRI-2), which takes into account the amount level of combat and post-battle exposures, and this coupled with a clinical interview that will detail the amount of times each participant has been exposed to a possible subconcussive blast. In patients with multiple mTBIs, a history of the most recent and all prior mTBIs (life-long) will also be documented for analyzing the effects of repetitive mTBI on MEG slow-wave source imaging. In patients with multiple TBIs, both old and new injuries may contribute to the generation of abnormal MEG slow-waves.
- Ohio State University Traumatic Brain injury Identification method (OSU TBI-ID) [ Time Frame: Baseline ]Lifetime history of TBI will be assessed using the Ohio State University Traumatic Brain injury Identification method (OSU TBI-ID).
- Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) [ Time Frame: Up to 6 weeks ]Since sleep is often disrupted in mTBI, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) will be given to assess for 7 different components of sleep: subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleep medications and daytime dysfunction over the last month.
- The McGill Pain Questionnaire (MGPQ) [ Time Frame: Up to 6 weeks ]The McGill Pain Questionnaire (MGPQ) will evaluate the level of current pain, pain changes over time, and strength of pain, since pain is frequently co-morbid with mTBI.
- Mini- International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI-7) [ Time Frame: Baseline ]At baseline, Veterans in all three groups will be evaluated by a psychologist under the supervision of Co-I, Dr. Baker, using a structured clinical interview, the Mini- International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI-7) to rule in/out mental health disorders.
- Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5) [ Time Frame: Up to 6 weeks ]The Clinician- Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5) for DSM-5. The CAPS-5 is a standard semi-structured interview used to assess PTSD diagnosis and severity. As part of as a structured interview, the primary traumatic event is elicited and will be used as the basis of assessing PTSD symptoms. The CAPS-5 total symptom severity score is calculated by summing severity scores for the DSM-5 PTSD symptoms that are assessed with this 30 item questionnaire. PTSD diagnostic status will be assessed using the past month version of the CAPS-5. The CAPS-5 has the advantages of categorical (diagnostic) or dimensional scoring of PTSD plus items for assessing social and occupational functioning, dissociation, and the validity of the items. A total severity score of 33 or higher indicates full threshold PTSD. The CAPS-5 past week version quantitative data will be given prior to treatment and at follow-up (Visit 15) and used for evaluation of treatment (IASIS or sham) and for correlation with MEG data.
- Post-Concussion Check List (PCL-5) [ Time Frame: Up to 6 weeks ]PCL-5 will also be given to track changes in PTSD symptoms.
- Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) [ Time Frame: Baseline ]We will utilize Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) to assess alcohol and substance use over the lifetime and frequency of past 3 months.
- Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) [ Time Frame: Baseline ]Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) will assess alcohol abuse problems.
- California Verbal Learning Test-2nd Edition [ Time Frame: Up to 6 weeks ]We will use scaled scores from verbal learning and retrospective memory (California Verbal Learning Test-2nd Edition).
- Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-4th Edition (WAIS-IV) [ Time Frame: Up to 6 weeks ]We will use scaled scores from the WAIS-IV Symbol Search and Coding subtests to compare processing speed. The Digit Span subtest will assess attention and working memory.
- Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (DKEFS) [ Time Frame: Up to 6 weeks ]We will use scaled scores from the DKEFS Verbal Fluency, Trail-Making, and Color-Word Interference subtests to assess executive functioning.
- Connors Continuous Performance Task II (CPT-II) [ Time Frame: Up to 6 weeks ]The Connors Continuous Performance Task II (CPT-II) will be included as a measure of attention and impulsivity.
- Barratt Impulsivity Scale [ Time Frame: Up to 6 weeks ]Impulsivity will also be measured by Barratt Impulsivity Scale a self-report questionnaire.
- Frontal Systems Behavior Scale [ Time Frame: Baseline ]Since frontal lobe areas are more prone to damage, the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale will measure behavioral dysfunction associated with frontal subcortical impairment.
- Wechsler Test of Adult Reading [ Time Frame: Baseline ]The Wechsler Test of Adult Reading will provide an estimate of premorbid ability.
- Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) [ Time Frame: Baseline ]Effort will be assessed using the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM).
- CogState Ltd [ Time Frame: Up to 6 weeks ]In order to measure change at multiple time points, we will administer the Detection, Identification, and Two-back tests from CogState Ltd, a tablet-administered battery optimized with multiple versions for use in clinical trials.
- Conventional MRI T1-weighted 3D-IRSPGR pulse sequence [ Time Frame: Baseline ]Conventional MRI T1-weighted images will be used to construct a source grid for Fast VESTAL and a boundary element method (BEM) model for MEG forward calculation.
- Susceptibility-weighted MRI [ Time Frame: Baseline ]Susceptibility-weighted imaging will also be performed to detect subtle blood products.

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Ages Eligible for Study: | 18 Years to 60 Years (Adult) |
Sexes Eligible for Study: | All |
Accepts Healthy Volunteers: | Yes |
Inclusion Criteria:
Inclusion of Veterans for the mTBI groups:
- All symptomatic mTBI patients will be evaluated in a clinical interview to document the nature of the injuries and ongoing PCS.
- The diagnosis of mTBI patients is based on standard VA/DOD diagnostic criteria.
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Inclusion in the mTBI patient group requires a TBI that meets the following criteria:
- a loss of consciousness (LOC) < 30 minutes or transient confusion, disorientation, or impaired consciousness immediately after the trauma
- post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) < 24 hours
- an initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) [90] between 13-15 (if available)
- Since the GCS assessment is often not available in theater, Veterans with missing GCS, but who meet other inclusion criteria will also be recruited.
- Each patient must have at least 3 items of persistent PCS at the beginning of the study.
Inclusion of Healthy Control (HC) group:
- Veterans that qualify as HCs will be age, education, combat exposure, and socioeconomically matched to the mTBI groups.
- In addition to exclusion criteria listed above, HC subjects must not have been diagnosed with head injury, affective disorder, or PTSD (CAPS-5 < 8) throughout life.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Exclusion criteria for study participations include:
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history of other neurological, developmental, or psychiatric disorders (based on the DSM-5 (MINI-7) [86] structured interview), e.g.,:
- brain tumor
- stroke
- epilepsy
- Alzheimer's disease
- schizophrenia
- bipolar disorder
- ADHD
- or other chronic neurovascular diseases such as hypertension and diabetes
- substance or alcohol use disorders according to DSM-5 [87] criteria within the six months prior to the study
- history of metabolic or other diseases known to affect the central nervous system (see [88] for similar criteria)
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Metal objects (e.g., shrapnel or metal fragments) that fail MRI screening, or extensive metal dental hardware, e.g.,:
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braces and large metal dentures
- fillings are acceptable
- other metal objects in the head
- neck, or face areas that cause non-removable artifacts in the MEG data
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Potential subjects will be administered the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) to evaluate level of depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation
- any participant who reports a "2" or "3" on the BDI-II: item 9 (suicidal thoughts or wishes) will also be excluded.
- However, depression following mTBI or traumatic event of PTSD is common [89]: therefore, in two mTBI groups, the investigators will include and match patients with depression symptoms reported after their injury/event, and will co-vary BDI-II score in data analyses.

To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT03244475
Contact: Annemarie A Quinto, BA | (858) 822-2352 | AnneMarie.Angeles@va.gov | |
Contact: Ashley R Swan, BA | (858) 822-6874 | arobb@ucsd.edu |
United States, California | |
VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA | Recruiting |
San Diego, California, United States, 92161 | |
Contact: Annemarie A Quinto, BA 858-822-2352 AnneMarie.Angeles@va.gov | |
Contact: Hayden Hansen, BS (858) 246-5225 hahansen@ucsd.edu | |
Principal Investigator: Mingxiong Huang, PhD |
Principal Investigator: | Mingxiong Huang, PhD | VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA |
Responsible Party: | VA Office of Research and Development |
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: | NCT03244475 |
Other Study ID Numbers: |
B1988-I RX001988-01A1 ( Other Grant/Funding Number: Office of Research and Development ) |
First Posted: | August 9, 2017 Key Record Dates |
Last Update Posted: | December 10, 2020 |
Last Verified: | December 2020 |
Individual Participant Data (IPD) Sharing Statement: | |
Plan to Share IPD: | Yes |
Plan Description: | One or more data sets without personal identifiers will be generated during the data analysis phase of this study. Publications from this research will be made available to the public through the National Library of Medicine PubMed Central website within one year after the date of publication. The data sets will include all data underlying any publications generated by this study and therefore, these will be sufficient to reproduce or verify any published findings. Requests for access to final data sets must be made in writing signed by a requestor from the United States and include an email address for delivery and an assurance that the recipient will not attempt to identify or re-identify any individual. The request should reference the publication underlying the request. Requests may be made to the PI/lead point-of-contact for the publication. If the investigator leaves the VASDHS the requests may be sent to the Associate Chief of Staff for Research. |
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product: | No |
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product: | Yes |
Device Product Not Approved or Cleared by U.S. FDA: | Yes |
Product Manufactured in and Exported from the U.S.: | No |
mild Traumatic Brain Injury transcranial electrical stimulation neurofeedback magnetoencephalography post-traumatic stress disorder |
Brain Injuries Brain Injuries, Traumatic Brain Concussion Stress Disorders, Traumatic Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Nervous System Diseases |
Craniocerebral Trauma Trauma, Nervous System Wounds and Injuries Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders Mental Disorders Head Injuries, Closed Wounds, Nonpenetrating |