Treatment of Depression Post-SCI

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Depression, Spinal Cord Injuries

In brief

Depression is more common after a spinal cord injury (SCI) than in the general population. Unfortunately, it is unknown how depression is typically treated in individuals with SCI or if commonly used treatment methods are effective. This study will investigate the safety and impact of a novel method for treating depression called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). rTMS is a type of non-invasive brain stimulation. Fourteen individuals with a cervical or thoracic level SCI and depression will complete an approved treatment plan using rTMS. Participants will be treated using rTMS five days a week for four weeks. After four weeks of treatment, the study team will review the safety of rTMS and assess changes in depressive symptoms. If the results are positive, larger studies can be designed to develop better treatment options for individuals with SCI and depression.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT04263285

Run by

Medical University of South Carolina

People needed

14

Starts

2026-10-01

Expected to finish

2029-09-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-03-04

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 70. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Age 18 - 70;
• At least 6 months post incomplete cervical or incomplete or complete thoracic level SCI;
• Have at least partial active movement of the right thumb (abductor pollicis brevis) to allow for FDA approved rTMS dosing;
• Major depressive disorder, as identified through screening tools;
• No antidepressant medications or no change in doses of psychotropic medication(s) for at least 4 weeks prior to the study (6 weeks if newly initiated medication).

You may not qualify if…

• Concomitant neurologic diseases/disorders or dementia;
• Cognitive impairment, as identified through a screening tool (Montreal Cognitive Assessment);
• History of major head trauma as identified through a screening tool (Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method);
• History of psychosis or other Axis I disorder that is primary;
• Positive screen for bipolar disorder, as identified through a screening tool (The Mood Disorder Questionnaire);
• Life expectancy <1 year;
• Attempt of suicide in the last 2 years;
• Electronic or metallic implants (i.e. metal in the head, cochlear implant, or pacemaker);
• History of seizures or currently prescribed anti-seizure medications;
• Taking medication that increases the risk of seizures;
• Pregnancy as identified through a positive pregnancy test;
• Inability or unwillingness of subject or legal guardian/representative to give informed consent.

Where it is running

• Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, South Carolina, United States (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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