Surrey, B.C., Feb 20, 2026 – Legion Veterans Village Research Foundation, in partnership with Brainstim Health, is initiating recruitment for the ANCHOR Trial [Accelerated Neuromodulation for Concurrent PTSD and Chronic Pain in Veterans], a new clinical research study evaluating repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for B.C. Veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain. This study is made possible thanks to the generous support of BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion, multiple BC Legions, and the NAVALIS Foundation.
rTMS is a non-invasive, drug-free brain stimulation therapy designed to support brain function, improve emotional wellbeing, and reduce physical pain by targeting neural circuits involved in mood, arousal, and pain processing. Previous clinical research suggests that rTMS can reduce hyperarousal and intrusive thoughts, improve mood, focus and cognitive clarity, help regulate pain signals in the brain, and support better sleep and emotional regulation.
“Many Veterans struggle with PTSD and chronic pain that do not fully respond to medications or talk therapy,” said Dr. Venu Karapareddy, MD, Principal Investigator for the ANCHOR Trial. “This study is designed to test whether an accelerated repetitive TMS protocol can offer more meaningful relief for those who have not found lasting benefit from conventional treatments.”
About the ANCHOR Trial
ANCHOR is a voluntary research study. Participants enrolled in ANCHOR will receive:
- A brief baseline clinical assessment prior to treatment and two follow-up visits.
- 5–6 rTMS treatment sessions per day for 5 days, delivered in a controlled clinical environment.
- Ongoing monitoring of PTSD symptoms, mood, cognition and pain using standardized outcome measures.
TMS is considered safe and well tolerated; reported side effects are generally transient and minimal, such as mild headache or scalp tingling during or shortly after treatment.
The ANCHOR Trial is currently seeking:
- CAF or RCMP Veterans aged 19 or older.
- Residents of British Columbia.
- Individuals experiencing both PTSD and chronic pain who are able to attend all scheduled appointments.
Exclusion criteria include metal implants near the head, active seizures, active substance use disorder, and pregnancy and/or nursing.
How to learn more or enroll:
Veterans or care providers interested in learning more about the ANCHOR Trial, eligibility, and site locations across B.C. are invited to visit https://lvvresearchfoundation.com/anchor/ or contact the team at research@brainstim.ca.
About Legion Veterans Village Research Foundation
Legion Veterans Village Research Foundation advances innovative research initiatives to improve the health and quality of life of Veterans, first responders and their families.
About Brainstim Health
Brainstim Health is a clinical neuromodulation provider specializing in evidence-based rTMS and related brain stimulation therapies to support mental health, cognitive function and pain management.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Debbie Greene, Chair of the Board of Directors
Email: debbie.greene@lvvresearchfoundation.com
