Study Reveals Effective New Treatment for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injuries

In a groundbreaking study published in Nature Medicine, researchers have unveiled promising results from a novel therapy combining magnesium and ibogaine for treating traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in military veterans. This pioneering research, titled “Magnesium–ibogaine therapy in veterans with traumatic brain injuries,” marks a significant step forward in addressing the persistent and debilitating effects of TBI, a condition that has emerged as a leading cause of disability, particularly among veterans of recent military conflicts. 

Traumatic brain injury, often resulting from blast exposures, has long been recognized as the signature injury among U.S. veterans. The traditional treatments for TBI-related complications, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and anxiety disorders, have shown limited effectiveness in this population. This inadequacy in treatment is underscored by the alarming statistic that veterans account for 20% of suicides in the United States, despite comprising only 6.4% of the general population. 

The study focused on the use of ibogaine, a psychoactive compound derived from the root bark of the Tabernanthe iboga shrub, traditionally used in African spiritual ceremonies. Ibogaine is known for inducing dreamlike states that facilitate self-reflection and has shown affinity for various neurotransmitter receptors.

Its unique pharmacological properties classify it as an atypical psychedelic or ‘oneirogen.’ However, its use has been limited due to legal restrictions and concerns about neuro- and cardiotoxicity. 

In this study, 30 male veterans with a history of predominantly mild TBI and repeated blast/combat exposures participated in the Magnesium–Ibogaine: the Stanford Traumatic Injury to the CNS protocol (MISTIC). The results were remarkable.

The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) scores, which measure disability, showed a significant decrease, indicating an improvement from mild-to-moderate disability to borderline no-to-mild disability. This improvement was consistent across all WHODAS subscales, with the greatest effect observed in the cognition domain. 

Moreover, the study reported substantial reductions in PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms, with large effect sizes noted in clinician-rated psychiatric assessments.  

These benefits were sustained at a 1-month follow-up, highlighting the potential long-term efficacy of the treatment. In terms of safety, the therapy was well-tolerated, with no serious or unexpected adverse events reported. Participants experienced transient cerebellar signs such as mild ataxia and intention tremor, which resolved within 24 hours. 

Additionally, neuropsychological testing revealed significant improvements in processing speed, executive functioning, and sustained attention, with no detrimental changes observed. These cognitive improvements are particularly noteworthy given the history of TBI in the study participants. 

Despite these promising results, the study has its limitations. It was not a randomized controlled trial, and the participant group was relatively homogeneous, consisting mostly of white men from elite military units. Furthermore, the long-term durability of the treatment’s effects remains to be established. 

This study represents a significant advancement in the treatment of TBI and its associated psychiatric and cognitive complications. The use of ibogaine, in combination with magnesium, offers a new avenue for addressing the complex and often treatment-resistant symptoms experienced by veterans with TBI. While further research is needed, particularly in larger and more diverse populations, the findings from this study provide hope for improved treatment strategies and a better quality of life for those suffering from the long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries. 

Journal Reference -Cherian, K. N., Keynan, J. N., Anker, L., Faerman, A., Brown, R. E., Shamma, A., … Williams, N. R. (2024). Magnesium–ibogaine therapy in veterans with traumatic brain injuries. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02705-w