MRI Study of Noninvasive Transcranial Electrical Stimulation in Tinnitus

Chronic subjective tinnitus is a common and sometimes disabling condition, with few effective treatments and no cure. Tinnitus is thought to involve dysfunction in central brain networks subsequent to peripheral injury or interference; thus, neurostimulation therapies that directly target central circuits are receiving growing interest. Of these, noninvasive transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) is an attractive option, due to its relative affordability, mobility, and favorable safety profile. A growing number of studies have demonstrated that tES of temporal/auditory cortex is effective at transiently reducing tinnitus symptoms, including tinnitus loudness and tinnitus distress. However, the results of previous clinical trials are variable, and a mechanistic understanding of tES and its therapeutic effects remains elusive. The main goal of this research is to lay the groundwork for improved, patient-centered approaches to noninvasive neurostimulation therapy for chronic tinnitus. To accomplish this long-term goal, this study will determine how the intrinsic activity and connectivity of auditory networks are affected during simultaneous tES-fMRI of auditory cortex, specifically in those patients who experience reduced tinnitus symptoms after 5 consecutive days of tES. Though the primary goal of the proposed research is to optimize tES for the treatment of tinnitus, these studies will also provide a wealth of information regarding tinnitus pathophysiology and the mechanisms of tES more generally, which is being investigated for the treatment of a wide variety of brain disorders and injuries.

Inclusion criteria

• Ages between 18 and 65
• Race/ethnicity: all races and ethnic groups
• Sex/Gender: all
• Capacity to provide informed consent
• Subjective tinnitus symptoms for at least one year prior (confirmed by patient self-report)
• Has discussed tinnitus symptoms with clinician (i.e., physician, audiologist) to confirm low/no likelihood of physical or neurological origin of tinnitus symptoms (e.g., acoustic neuroma, Meniere's Disease, etc.), confirmed by patient self-report
• Stable standard or no pharmacological treatment regimen for tinnitus (e.g., SSRI or SNRI) with no change in treatment 6 weeks prior to study start

Exclusion criteria

• Ages below 18 (neurobiology is quite different in children vs. adults)
• Ages above 65 (cortical excitability changes with age)
• Tinnitus symptoms with known medial origin, including: Meniere's disease, pulsatile tinnitus, acoustic neuroma, spontaneous optoacoustic emissions, any other known medical origin
• Diagnosis of any medical condition potentially affecting brain function, including: neuropsychiatric or mental disorders, mood disorders (bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD), psychotic states or disorders, developmental disorders, neurological disorders, including mild cognitive impairment, significant head injury, significant history of alcohol/substance abuse or dependence, chronic pain (>1 year duration)
• MRI contraindications: metal or other implants that are not MR-safe, claustrophobia, pregnancy or suspected pregnancy
• tDCS contraindications*: skin conditions or injuries on the scalp, hair extensions, wigs, braids, etc. that cannot be removed prior to the study, metal implants or pacemakers (also contraindicated for MRI) *Please note that history of seizures or epilepsy, stroke, and brain injury are not safety concerns for tES use, and may be inclusion criteria for other tES studies. However, individuals with history of these conditions will be excluded here because these conditions are not a focus of the current study (see above).
• Non-English speakers (due to written consent and questionnaires administered)
• other major medical conditions (e.g., cancer, stroke).
• Significant history of alcohol/substance abuse or dependence within last 12 months
• Neurostimulation or neuromodulation treatment for any reason within the past 3 months
• Current medication use potentially affecting brain function, including decongestants, antihistamines, benzodiazepines or other anticonvulsants, anti-psychotics, or antidepressants.
• Prisoners will not participate in this study.