Nicotine TMS EFT Smoking Pilot Study

The purpose of this study is to develop theta burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (tbTMS) as a potential treatment for nicotine addiction. Theta burst TMS is a non-invasive technique that uses magnetic pulses to temporarily stimulate specific brain areas in awake people (without the need for surgery, anesthetic, or other invasive procedures). This study will test whether tbTMS over the forehead can produce a reduction in things that may prompt individuals to want to smoke cigarettes. TMS has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as an investigational tool as well as a therapy for depression. However, TMS is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a treatment for nicotine cravings and other addictions.

This study consists of one consent session and one TMS session. Participants will be asked to complete a series of questionnaires and computer assessments about nicotine both before and after a single tbTMS session.

Inclusion criteria

• 18-65 years of age
• Smoke at least 10 cigarettes a day (on average)
• Not be pregnant
• Meet all criteria on a standardized TMS safety screen (including to but not limited to implanted electronic devices, bullets or metallic fragments above the neck, hair clips that cannot be removed)
• No barriers to making contact between the TMS coil and the skin (e.g. cornrows that cannot be removed, glasses that the participant is unwilling to remove)

Exclusion criteria

• Report comorbid mental or physical illness (managed or unmanaged)
• Currently using prescription medication that might affect smoking or nicotine metabolism
• Using smokeless tobacco or alternative nicotine products
• History of epilepsy or seizures (other than childhood febrile seizures)
• History of chronic migraines