# Remotely Supervised tDCS for Persistent Post-traumatic Headache: A Pilot Study

> **NIH VA I21** · VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION · 2020 · —

## Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility and [efficacy] of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
administered at home [with real-time monitoring via VA Telehealth] remote supervision for persistent post
traumatic headache (PTH) associated with mTBI, and the impact of this treatment on functional recovery in
Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) veterans.
Methods: We will enroll [20] participants age 20-60 years old who meet the diagnostic criteria for persistent
PTH associated with combat related mild TBI. tDCS will be remotely administrated for a total of 20 sessions
over a four-week period.
Primary endpoint: [To evaluate the changes in numbers of moderate to severe headache days per month from
baseline period to the end of treatment phase, and to the end of follow-up phase].
Secondary endpoints:
 1. To evaluate the changes of total number of headache days per month, acute pain mediation used
 based on number of doses of medication taken from baseline period to end of treatment phase, and to
 end of follow-up phase in the same cohort.
 2. To evaluate the impact of headaches on the quality of life measures (pain and disability) based on
 change in Headache impact test-6 (HIT-6), Migraine disability assessment (MIDAS), Migraine Disability
 Assessment (MIDAS) scores, PHQ-9, PTSD severity as measured by PCL-5, and anxiety as measured
 by Backers anxiety inventory (BAI) from baseline period to end of treatment phase, and to end of
 follow-up phase in persistent PTH.
Androulakis- 1

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9890706
- **Project number:** 1I21RX003194-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
- **Principal Investigator:** Xiao Michelle Androulakis
- **Activity code:** I21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** VA
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** —
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2019-10-01 → 2021-09-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9890706

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9890706, Remotely Supervised tDCS for Persistent Post-traumatic Headache: A Pilot Study (1I21RX003194-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9890706. Licensed CC0.

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