High-frequency brain stimulation for trigeminal neuropathic pain
Official title: A Pivotal Phase III Multi-Site Clinical Trial of High-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation at Primary Motor Cortex for Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11435301 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large, multi-site trial tests a non-invasive brain stimulation method to relieve chronic facial nerve pain for adults who have not found relief from other treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $571,544 |
| NIH project number | 1UG3DE036325-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11435301 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with trigeminal neuropathic pain who have not achieved adequate relief with standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Some participants may not experience pain relief or may experience minimal benefit.
What this research studies
This trial uses high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied to the primary motor cortex to target brain circuits involved in trigeminal neuropathic pain. It aims to determine if this brain-based therapy can provide durable, meaningful pain relief for people with TNP. The study builds on prior work showing rTMS can reduce neuropathic pain and seeks to confirm safety, efficacy, and how long benefits last in a broad, real-world setting. Participants will receive sessions over several weeks and will be monitored for pain changes and any side effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants could experience lasting reduction in trigeminal neuropathic pain and improved quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies suggest rTMS can reduce neuropathic pain, but durable benefits need confirmation in a larger trial.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Motzkin, Julian Chase — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Motzkin, Julian Chase
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.