Clinical trial for ME/CFS
Official title ME/CFS Brain Fog: Cognitive Rehabilitation Trial
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT07523113
What this study is testing
- What it's testing
- It compares two types of cognitive rehabilitation to see which better improves thinking speed and everyday mental tasks.
- Who it's for
- Adults who have brain fog after infections like mononucleosis, COVID‑19, or other viral illnesses.
- What's involved
- Participants will do about 30 hours of online training over 2–4 weeks, including computer games, lifestyle lessons, and a short nerve‑stimulation session. They will also visit a clinic three times for blood tests and brain scans, and complete online tests before, during, and after the program.
- Time commitment
- The program lasts 2–4 weeks of training plus three clinic visits and follow‑up phone calls, with a total time commitment of about 2–3 hours per clinic visit and regular weekly sessions.
- Time commitment: about 2 weeks
Which group you join is decided by chance.
A plain-language read of the study's public ClinicalTrials.gov listing. The study team confirms the details.
Who can take part
Ages 18 and older
You may be able to join if
- diagnosis of ME/CFS that preceded cognitive complaints
- mild or greater cognitive impairment
- moderate or greater brain fog
- some impairment in the performance of daily activities
- ≥ 18 years, no upper limit if medically stable
You likely can't join if
- cognitive impairment due to a developmental disability, psychiatric disorder, or substance abuse, or due to another type of brain injury, such as...
- current substance abuse disorder
- diagnosis of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) by a healthcare provider
- prior cognitive processing speed training on DoubleDecision or a similar program
- cannot tolerate taVNS
- prior history of heart attack or other serious cardiac events
See the full eligibility criteria
- diagnosis of ME/CFS that preceded cognitive complaints
- mild or greater cognitive impairment
- moderate or greater brain fog
- some impairment in the performance of daily activities
- ≥ 18 years, no upper limit if medically stable
- reside in the community (as opposed to a hospital or skilled nursing facility)
- able to travel to the laboratory on multiple occasions
- has Internet service
- has a personal computer, laptop, or tablet that can access the Internet
- sufficiently fit, from both a physical and mental health perspective, to take part in the study
- adequate sight and hearing to complete the UFOV test
- adequate thinking skills, e.g., ability to follow directions and retain information to complete UFOV and CTAL, as marked by the judgement of the screener that the candidate is able to adequately complete the UFOV and...
- sufficient English proficiency (i.e., ability to speak, understand, read, and write to take part in study activities)
- cognitive impairment due to a developmental disability, psychiatric disorder, or substance abuse, or due to another type of brain injury, such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, or a progressive brain disease, such as...
- current substance abuse disorder
- diagnosis of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) by a healthcare provider
- prior cognitive processing speed training on DoubleDecision or a similar program
- cannot tolerate taVNS
- prior history of heart attack or other serious cardiac events
- implanted medical device of any type
- vasovagal syncope or history of fainting
- history of seizures or epilepsy
- temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) syndrome or other conditions that cause substantial jaw pain
- history of peripheral nerve injury to the head, neck, or face
- pregnant or breastfeeding
- not able or willing to get an MRI scan
- not able or willing to get a blood draw
The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where it is enrolling
- Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Questions & answers
Do participants get paid in this trial?
This listing doesn't specify compensation. Many trials still reimburse travel or offer a stipend, so it's worth asking the study team when you connect.
Is it free to join, and do I need insurance?
Searching and applying through BridgeMD is free. In clinical trials the study-related treatment and visits are generally provided at no cost to you. You usually don't need insurance to take part, but confirm specifics with the study team.
How long does this study last?
The study runs about 2 weeks per participant, based on its public description. The team confirms the exact schedule and number of visits before you enroll.
Who can join this trial?
This study is enrolling all sexes, 18 years and older. The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where is this trial taking place?
This study is enrolling now at Birmingham, Alabama, United States. Enter your location above to see the nearest enrolling site and check your eligibility.
Explore other conditions
BridgeMD is an information and trial-matching tool that is independent of the study sponsor. Details come from ClinicalTrials.gov. The study team decides eligibility, and your own doctor gives medical advice.