TMS Study for PTSD/Chronic Pain (ANCHOR) - Legion Veterans Village Research Foundation

Are you a Veteran or their family member

Are you a Veteran in B.C. struggling with PTSD and Chronic Pain?

Join us today to help address your symptoms with our support

*Limited capacity — register early.

We are officially recruiting for an innovative research trial to help CAF and RCMP veterans in BC living with both PTSD and chronic pain find meaningful, drug-free relief. If you’ve tried traditional treatments like medication and talk therapy without lasting relief, you’re not alone - and there may be another path forward.

We have partnered with Brainstim Health to investigate a new brain stimulation program. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive, drug-free therapy designed to support brain function, improve emotional
well-being, and reduce physical pain.

Learn More

PTSD/Chronic Pain rTMS Research

The PTSD/Chronic Pain rTMS Program, supported by VAC Veterans and Family Well-Being Fund, is an advanced clinical initiative expertly developed to address the physical and neurological challenges of PTSD and Chronic Pain. Tailored for excellence, this program offers an innovative approach to enhance cognitive clarity and overall neurological health, benefiting 100 participants.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive, drug-free therapy designed to support brain function, improve emotional well-being and redyuce physical pain.

rTMS is approved by Health Canada for the treatment of depression and anxiety, and it’s showing strong potential in treating PTSD and chronic pain.

It works by sending repetitive magnetic pulses into specific areas of the brain - most often the prefrontal cortex, which plays a key role in mood, decision-making, and stress regulation.

What is RTMS?

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is approved by Health Canada for the treatment of depression and anxiety, and it’s showing strong potential in treating PTSD and chronic pain.

It works by sending repetitive magnetic pulses into specific areas of the brain - most often the prefrontal cortex, which plays a key role in mood, decision-making, and stress regulation.

Why rTMS?

Many veterans experience resistance to conventional treatments. rTMS offers a promising, evidence-based alternative that targets the root of both psychological and physical symptoms.

Clinical research has shown that rTMS can:

Reduce hyperarousal and intrusive thoughts
Help regulate pain signals in the brain
Improve mood, focus, and cognitive clarity
Support better sleep and emotional regulation

What to Expect

rTMS is a safe, drug-free treatment
A small device is placed gently on your scalp during each session
The pulses are similar in strength to those used in MRI machines—focused and safe
TMS may feel like a light tapping or pulsing sensation on your scalp.
Treatment sessions require no sedation or surgery, and last about 20 minutes
rTMS is generally easy to tolerate with transient, minimal side effects
You remain fully awake and alert throughout the session
Veterans will receive five to six rTMS sessions per day over a five-day period.
You will be fully monitored by healthcare professionals

Who is eligible?

Veterans aged 19 and older
Currently living in BC.
Experiencing symptoms of both PTSD and chronic pain (pre-interview required to assess eligibility).
Able to attend all study visits and complete assessments.
Able to consent to the study.
Are not excluded due to contraindications (see exclusions below)

Exclusion Criteria

Metal Implants near the head
Active seizures
Active substance use disorder
Pregnancy and/or nursing

This may be a new path to healing when traditional therapies haven’t been enough.

Expression of Interest

Complete this questionaire, and a member of our team will reach out to you soon.

Our Partners

Legion Veterans Village BC/Yukon, Veterans Affairs Canada, Anciens Combattants Canada, Centre of CLinical Excellence Veterans and First Responders Health

We are grateful for the support from our generous partners for making this program possible: BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion, BC Legion Branches and the Fondation NAVALIS Foundation. Thank you!

** Participants enrolling into this study are taking part in a clinical research trial that is examining a novel rTMS program as a treatment for PTSD/Chronic Pain.

Please complete the information below to register for the PTSD/Chronic Pain program. One of our navigation team members will be in touch to discuss the program and your eligibility for participation. Please note that all information on this form is confidential.