Investigating brain changes with spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain relief

Brain Connectivity Changes with Spinal Cord Stimulation Treatment of Chronic Pain: A Resting State NIRS/EEG Study

NIH-funded research Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center · NIH-10876949

This study is looking at how spinal cord stimulation can change brain activity in people with long-lasting nerve pain, to help figure out who might get the most relief from this treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionLouis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project IDNIH-10876949 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how spinal cord stimulation (SCS) affects brain connectivity in individuals suffering from chronic neuropathic pain. By using advanced techniques like resting state Near Infrared Spectroscopy and Electroencephalography, the study aims to identify brain changes associated with pain relief from SCS. The research will involve two groups: patients new to SCS and those who have been using it for over six months. The goal is to uncover brain biomarkers that could predict which patients are likely to benefit from SCS treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans experiencing refractory chronic neuropathic pain who are either new to spinal cord stimulation or have been using it for at least six months.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have chronic neuropathic pain or those who are not veterans may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for chronic pain, helping to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from spinal cord stimulation.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain connectivity changes with non-pharmacological pain treatments, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

Cleveland, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.