NCT07246993

Targeting Neuroplasticity for Persistent Post-Concussive Cognitive Symptoms

Targeting Neuroplasticity for Persistent Post-Concussive Cognitive Symptoms: A Trial of tDCS and Cognitive Training 3-12 Months Post-mTBI

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of Minnesota · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This project investigates an innovative combination of non-invasive neuromodulation (transcranial direct current stimulation - tDCS) and cognitive training as a novel treatment approach aimed at improving function in individuals suffering from persistent post-concussive syndrome (PPCS) following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

Conditions

• Persistent Post Concussion Syndrome
• Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Active tDCS	All participants will receive 10 sessions of cognitive training focused on executive functions, delivered over approximately 3 weeks. Cognitive training will be completed on a lab provided computer using PositScience BrainHQ or TaskFlow software. Concurrently, during each training session, participants will receive either active or sham tDCS. Stimulation will be delivered via saline-soaked sponge electrodes using the Soterix 1x1 miniCT TES device. The anode (active electrode) will be placed over the L-DLPFC (approximated by EEG coordinate F3) and the cathode (reference electrode) over the contralateral supraorbital area (Fp2). The active tDCS group will receive 2mA constant current for 20 minutes.
DEVICE	Sham tDCS	All participants will receive 10 sessions of cognitive training focused on executive functions, delivered over approximately 3 weeks. Cognitive training will be completed on a lab provided computer using PositScience BrainHQ or TaskFlow software. Concurrently, during each training session, participants will receive either active or sham tDCS. Stimulation will be delivered via saline-soaked sponge electrodes using the Soterix 1x1 miniCT TES device. The anode (active electrode) will be placed over the L-DLPFC (approximated by EEG coordinate F3) and the cathode (reference electrode) over the contralateral supraorbital area (Fp2). The sham tDCS group will receive a brief ramp up and ramp down of current at the beginning and end of the 20 minutes to mimic the sensation of active stimulation.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-03-05
• Primary completion: 2028-01-01
• Completion: 2028-01-01
• First posted: 2025-11-25
• Last updated: 2026-03-17

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States

Regulatory

• FDA-regulated device study