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About the Study

Who runs this study?

The Principal Investigator of this study is Dr. Mark Hallett, M.D. Dr. Hallett is the Section Chief of the Human Motor Control Section (HMCS), Medical Neurology Branch (MNB), part of the intramural research program of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Together with Dr. Hallett, the study is run by Dr. Primavera A. Spagnolo, M.D., Ph.D., as the lead associate investigator. Furthermore, several other members of HMCS, such as clinical fellows, staff scientists and research nurses, will be involved in screening patients, collecting and analyzing data.

What is this study about?

The goal of this study is to evaluate whether intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), a non-invasive method used to stimulate the brain, may have an effect on brain areas involved in FMD symptoms. We want to look at the effect of iTBS on these brain areas using functional magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. We will also look at the effect of iTBS on your mood and motor symptoms.

What kind of commitment is involved?

You will be asked to come to the NIH for 4 outpatient visits. During Visit #1, you will do a screening visit to see if you are eligible to participate in the protocol. If you are eligible we may invite you to participate in a phenotyping assessment, which will take place on the same visit. During the phenotype assessment, we will ask you to complete several questionnaires and rating scales using computer and pen and paper. We will also ask you to undergo a functional brain scan. Total time for this visit is up to 6 hours. You will be able to complete some questionnaires at home. One or two weeks after Visit 1, you will be asked to return for Visit #2, #3 and #4, which will be separated by no more than 48 hours. During each of this visit you will receive three iTBS stimulations. The stimulation session takes between 1.5 and 2 hours. At the end of each iTBS visit, you will be asked to fill some questionnaires and you will undergo a functional brain scan.

How can I ask questions or ask for help?

Email us at vera.spagnolo@nih.gov (or click on Contact). We will respond to your emails in 48 hours.