Brain-Stomach Circuits in Chronic Nausea (NCT07276035)
TMS Neuromodulation of Brain-to-Stomach Circuits in Chronic Nausea
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
The goal of this study is to determine whether stimulation of the brain-stomach connection can influence stomach activity in healthy adults and in individuals suffering from chronic nausea. The main questions it aims to answer are: * What are the best brain sites to influence the stomach? * What are the effects of different stimulation patterns on stomach activity? * Does the stimulation affect the sensation of nausea in participants suffering from chronic nausea? Researchers will use a non-invasive method of brain stimulation called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and will record stomach responses with skin electrodes on the abdomen. Participants will: * Visit the clinic at least once, and for up to 9 times more over the course of several months. * Receive TMS while sitting in a chair similar to a dentist's chair. * Drink water or consume a test meal during each study visit.
Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (1 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (17 items).
Location: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Age range: 21 Years to 60 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistCheck every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).
Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:
- Exclusion Criteria:
- body mass index (BMI) \> 30
- pregnancy or intention to become pregnant
- past or present chemotherapy
- diagnosis of gastric (stomach) cancer
- any kind of gastric (stomach) surgery
- current use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g. Ozempic, Trulicity)
- medications which significantly lower seizure thresholds (e.g. bupropion (Wellbutrin), fluoxetine (Prozac), or tramadol (Ultram))
- implantable devices, such as a pacemakers or nerve stimulators
- history of head injury that required hospitalization, metal in the skull, or neurologic disease such as stroke, history of seizures or history of syncope (fainting or passing out)
- neurodegenerative disease (Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's or Alzheimer's Disease)
- ongoing psychosis or altered cognitive status status (e.g. hearing sounds or seeing visions that are not there, or feeling confused or suffering from memory lapses)
🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (412) 647-1228
Email: edw87@pitt.edu
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
Explore by condition: All Chronic Nausea and Vomiting Syndrome clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.