How spinal cord stimulation may relieve painful diabetic neuropathy
Official title: Functional and histological changes to peripheral innervation following spinal cord stimulation in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11384398 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study explores whether spinal cord stimulation can reduce pain and improve nerve health in adults with painful diabetic neuropathy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 12, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,479,584 |
| NIH project number | 4R01DK138849-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384398 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy who are eligible for spinal cord stimulation and willing to participate for 18 months.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of PDPN or those who cannot undergo spinal cord stimulation may not benefit.
What this research studies
Adults with diabetes who have painful nerve damage in their feet and legs may receive spinal cord stimulation to see if it eases pain and improves nerve signals. The project will compare three groups over 18 months: standard care, spinal cord stimulation, and spinal cord stimulation with delayed activation to separate device effects from placebo. A multidisciplinary team will track changes in pain, nerve health, and function using eight different measurements and advanced analyses. The researchers will follow participants closely to understand how SCS impacts peripheral innervation and pain over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer longer-lasting pain relief and insights into nerve repair for people with PDPN.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research supports SCS for pain in various conditions, but this study aims to clarify mechanisms and long-term effects in PDPN.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Townsend, Kristy L — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Townsend, Kristy L
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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.