NCT06915324 · Columbia University
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Post Treatment Lyme Disease
What this study is about
The primary purpose of this pilot study is to investigate a novel approach to the treatment of cognitive symptoms that persist despite prior antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease (Post treatment Lyme Disease or PTLD).
View original scientific description
The primary purpose of this pilot study is to investigate a novel approach to the treatment of cognitive symptoms that persist despite prior antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease (Post treatment Lyme Disease or PTLD). Aim 1: The primary aim of this study is to assess whether the processing speed of individuals with PTLD can be enhanced by combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with computer based cognitive training games. To achieve this aim, over a 4-week period, all individuals with PTLD will participate in at home adaptive cognitive training combined with either active stimulation or sham stimulation. Aim 2: To determine if treatment benefit in processing speed is sustained, the study will compare the sham and active groups 8 weeks after completion of study treatment.
Interventions
DEVICE
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is delivered by a device that has a user-friendly interface and a large-button keypad, making it is easy to use at home. The device delivers a weak electrical current of 2.0 mA that is transmitted through two electrodes placed on the scalp to target the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex region of the brain. The electrodes are easily placed through a headset. The active stimulation session lasts 30 minutes. The inactive (sham) stimulation session will also last 30 minutes.
BEHAVIORAL
Cognitive training
The cognitive training tasks are administered via a computer-based program BrainHQ (Posit Science). There are 20 sessions, each 30 minutes a day, conducted over approximately 4 weeks. The BrainHQ adaptive cognitive training tasks have been previously associated with improved processing speed in other populations.
Primary outcome measures
Coding test scale score for acute treatment
Time frame: 4 weeks
The WAIS-IV Coding test is part of the Processing Speed Subtest and consists of three measured abilities, including visual-motor coordination, motor and mental speed, and visual working memory. In this coding task, participants using the key provided at the top of the exercise form draw the symbol under the corresponding number. Subtests yielding scaled scores that sum to derive the full-scale score. The score is the number of correct symbols from 0-133 drawn within a period of 120 seconds. The standardized T-score ranges from 1 to 19 with higher numbers indicating a better outcome/performance.
Coding test scale score for post-treatment follow-up
Time frame: 12 weeks
The WAIS-IV Coding test is part of the Processing Speed Subtest and consists of three measured abilities, including visual-motor coordination, motor and mental speed, and visual working memory. In this coding task, participants using the key provided at the top of the exercise form draw the symbol under the corresponding number. Subtests yielding scaled scores that sum to derive the full-scale score. The score is the number of correct symbols from 0-133 drawn within a period of 120 seconds. The standardized T-score ranges from 1 to 19 with higher numbers indicating a better outcome/performance.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- History of diagnosis of Lyme disease by a health care provider, meeting criteria for either definite or probable or possible LD
- Willingness to provide documentation of prior LD testing and/or related medical records
- Total prior antibiotic treatment for LD was at least 2 courses of antibiotic therapy
- Have cognitive symptoms attributed to Lyme disease that have persisted or returned despite antibiotic therapy
- Current cognitive symptoms interfere with function and/or cause distress
- Have evidence of slowed processing speed on a screening measure
- Participant is willing to be off of antibiotic treatment for tick-borne disease for at least 4 weeks prior to final determination of study eligibility and for the duration of the 12-week study.
- Participant expresses willingness to not start new medications that might affect treatment outcome during the trial (unless medically necessary), and willingness to inform study staff regarding any changes in medication
- Live in the US or Canada and comfortable speaking English
- Stable and continuous access to internet service
- Adequate home facilities (enough space, access to quiet and distraction free area)
- Able to commit to the 12-week study period (4 weeks of training sessions and an 8-week post treatment visit)
- Estimated intellectual ability \>= 85
Exclusion criteria
- \- Medical Illness: Any of the following: a. Unstable non-Lyme-related chronic medical illness over the last 12 months (e.g., cancer, acute myocardial infarction, labile hypertension) b. Any severe skin disorder or skin sensitive area near stimulation locations (e.g. forehead) Neurologic: Any of the following:
- History of traumatic brain injury with persistent post-concussive symptoms
- History of seizure disorder or recent (\<5 years) seizure history
- History of neurosurgery to the head
- Chronic headaches or migraines of moderate to severe intensity within the last month
- Post stroke deficits that may interfere with assessment
- Any progressive neurodegenerative disorder or other neurological disorders that may interfere with assessment at discretion of the investigator. Psychiatric: Any of the following:
- History of intellectual disability, or other developmental neurological condition associated with cognitive impairment
- Current primary psychiatric disorder that would interfere with ability to participate
- Current alcohol or other substance use disorder
- Current suicide risk as assessed by the C-SSRS (any level)
- History of suicidal behavior over the last year
- History of a diagnosis of a psychotic disorder, mania or bipolar disorder
- Depression rating of moderate or severe at screening
- Currently taking opiate-based medications, dissociative drugs (prescribed or illicit), or other medication considered likely to interfere with treatment outcome at the discretion of the investigator. The use of a stable dose of benzodiazepines, anticholinergic agents and non-narcotic pain medications is permitted. The use of an occasional dose of these medications is also permitted, but not within 48 hours of neurocognitive study assessments.
- Participants whose current daily medication regimen has not been stable for a minimum of 4 weeks prior to final determination of study eligibility
- Medical device implanted in the head (such as a Deep Brain Stimulator) or in the neck (such as a Vagus Nerve Stimulator), or metal implants in the head or neck
- Inadequate visual or motor skills needed for regular computer use or to operate study equipment, or inability to provide informed consent
- Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant
- Lifestyle Considerations: Participants not willing to refrain from beginning, resuming or increasing non study cognitive training or cognitive enhancing supplements/medications or other therapies that might affect treatment outcome
Where
- San Francisco, California
- New York, New York
Collaborators
Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 6, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations