Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Effects on Nicotine Craving



Status:Completed
Conditions:Smoking Cessation, Tobacco Consumers
Therapuetic Areas:Pulmonary / Respiratory Diseases
Healthy:No
Age Range:18 - 50
Updated:11/23/2018
Start Date:June 2009
End Date:February 2014

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The proposed study will measure the change of cortical excitability during nicotine craving
and examine the effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) on nicotine
craving and cue-reactivity among adult regular smokers.

This pilot protocol proposes to test and further develop TMS for the purpose of studying
brain function in nicotine users.

Specific Primary Aims include:

Aim # 1. To test change of cortical excitability during nicotine craving in cigarette smokers
and explore the potential use of TMS in cigarette smokers.

Aim # 2. Given the role of the prefrontal cortex (and connected regions) in craving, we will
examine whether modulating prefrontal activity through rTMS will impact measures of craving
and the reinforcing effects of nicotine.

Design:

The study was a randomized, blind, sham-controlled crossover study in which participants will
involve two study visits. Participants will have an initial assessment about tobacco use
habits and craving patterns. Participant will look at images related to and not related to
cigarette smoking.

Participants will receive two different types of brain stimulation with repetitive TMS (10
Hz): sham rTMS and active rTMS over prefrontal cortex. Craving assessments will be performed
before and after each stimulus experiment.

Participants will be measured cortical excitability with TMS before and after each stimulus
experiment.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Right handed males and females, between the ages of 18 and 50

- Daily smokers who smoke at least 10 cigarettes per day for at least past 1 year

- Mentally capable of reading, writing, giving consent, following instructions

Exclusion Criteria:

- history of seizures

- taking medications that lower seizure threshold

- implanted metal devices (e.g., pacemakers, metal plates, wires)

- pregnant

- history of brain surgery or history of loss of consciousness >15 minutes

- any unstable major axis I psychiatric disorder in the past month (e.g. psychotic
disorders)

- Current substance use disorders other than nicotine and caffeine use, in the past 30
days

- Any medication (e.g., propranolol) or unstable medical condition that may interfere
with psychophysiological (e.g., heart rate) monitoring
We found this trial at
1
site
171 Ashley Avenue
Charleston, South Carolina 29425
843-792-1414
Medical University of South Carolina The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) has grown from...
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from
Charleston, SC
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