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TMS for Alcohol Use Disorder

This study is looking into whether a single session of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can help reduce how strongly the brain reacts to alcohol cues. TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. Researchers will use functional MRI (fMRI) to guide where the TMS is delivered. You might be able to join if you are between 25 and 75 years old and have a current diagnosis of moderate to severe Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The study aims to see if TMS can change brain activity related to alcohol cravings. There are 40 participants planned for this study, but its current status is unclear.

Study design
This interventional study plans to enroll 40 participants. It compares active TMS to a sham (inactive) TMS treatment.
What's involved
You would attend scheduled clinic visits and undergo one session of either active or sham TMS. Brain activity will be measured at the start and two days after the TMS session.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your brain's reaction to alcohol cues will be measured at baseline (before TMS) and again on Day 2 (after TMS).

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06415721

Developing Functional Connectivity-Guided TMS for Alcohol Use Disorder

Recruiting
NAAges 25–75InterventionalTreatment
VA Palo Alto Health Care System
~40 participants
Updated 2025-08-13 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Active Transcranial Magnetic SimulationSham

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in blood-oxygen level dependent signal as a measure of change in alcohol cue reactivity
Measured over Baseline (pre-TMS) and Day 2 (post-TMS)

Conditions

Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol Abuse
Alcoholism
Drinking Behavior
Drinking Problem

Explore related trials

Alcohol use disorder

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
California1

Study leadership

  • Daniel McCalley, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Palo Alto VA Health Care System

Who to contact

Daniel McCalley
[email protected]
650-493-5000
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Between age 25 and 75.
Current DSM-5 diagnosis of moderate to severe AUD (≥4 diagnostic symptoms).
Able to attend scheduled clinic visits
Able to read, understand and voluntarily sign Informed Consent prior to participating in any study-specific procedures or assessments.
If on a medication regimen, that regimen will be stable for the duration of the study;
Fluency in English.

Exclusion

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contraindications: such as a cardiac pacemaker, cochlear implant, or an implanted device (deep brain stimulation, metal in the head, metal in the body, claustrophobia, pregnant or breastfeeding or other ferromagnetic device/objected in the head and body within 30 cm of the treatment coil.
General medical condition, disease or neurological disorder that interferes with the assessments or participation.
Unable to safely withdraw, at least two weeks prior to treatment, from medications that increase seizure risk.
Current substance abuse (except caffeine or nicotine) as determined by positive toxicology screen.
Have a mass lesion, cerebral infarct, or other active CNS disease, including an alcohol-related seizure or a seizure disorder. • A recent suicide attempt (defined as within the last 30 days) or presence of current suicidal plan or intent. Patients at risk for suicide will be required to establish a written safety plan involving their primary therapist before entering the study.
Severe impediment to vision, hearing and/or hand movement, likely to interfere with the ability to follow study protocols. • Greater than mild traumatic brain injury (defined as greater than 10 minutes loss of consciousness).
Taking benzodiazepine or neuroleptic medications, or any medication known to alter seizure threshold
unstable chronic illness.
Current or lifetime history of bipolar disorder or psychosis.
Participation in another concurrent intervention based clinical trial.

What this trial measures

  • Change in blood-oxygen level dependent signal as a measure of change in alcohol cue reactivityBaseline (pre-TMS) and Day 2 (post-TMS)

    The effect of real versus sham fMRI-guided TMS on alcohol cue reactivity will be assessed by comparing brain reactivity to images of alcohol ('alcohol cues') shown during the fMRI scan. Change in blood-oxygen level dependent signal magnitude will be measured within the striatum, a key brain region involved in cue-reactivity.