Improving pain diagnosis and treatment for torture survivors

Chronic Pain Diagnosis and Treatment in Torture Survivors

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV · NIH-10925178

This study is looking to help people who have survived torture by finding better ways to understand and treat their chronic pain, using a special tool to identify their pain and creating treatment plans based on their personal experiences.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10925178 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain in individuals who have survived torture. Dr. Gunisha Kaur, an anesthesiologist and medical anthropologist, aims to improve the sensitivity of pain detection by integrating a validated pain screening tool with the United Nations Istanbul Protocol, which is currently used for assessing torture survivors. By adapting a somatic pain treatment model based on feedback from these survivors, the research seeks to provide more effective pain management strategies tailored to their unique experiences. The study will involve rigorous training in quantitative pain research methods to ensure robust findings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have survived torture and are experiencing chronic pain.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced torture or do not suffer from chronic pain may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for torture survivors by providing more accurate pain diagnoses and effective treatment options.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that integrating validated screening tools can enhance pain detection in various populations, suggesting a promising approach for this novel application.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Brachial Plexus Diseases, Brachial Plexus Disorders

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.