Peripheral nerve stimulation for chronic neuropathic pain in a new mechanistic trial
Official title: Mechanisms of Action of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Chronic Neuropathic Pain
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11579998 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Stanford tests whether a painless-sounding electrical nerve treatment helps people with long-standing neuropathic pain when added to standard care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,054,560 |
| NIH project number | 4RM1NS128956-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11579998 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with lower extremity chronic neuropathic pain who are candidates for standard medical management and may opt into PNS therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pain conditions not driven by peripheral nerve signals or who are not suitable for PNS may see little to no benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores how percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) relieves chronic neuropathic pain by examining the nervous system's response to treatment. Participants with lower extremity chronic neuropathic pain will be randomized to receive either conventional medical management alone or in combination with PNS, with monthly remote check-ins over a year. The team will use quantitative sensory testing and advanced imaging to uncover how PNS changes nerve firing, pain signaling, and central sensitization, aiming to identify predictors of who benefits. The study builds on prior PNS work and includes clinical trials, psychological assessments, and measurements of pain processing to map mechanisms and outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could improve how PNS is used to treat chronic neuropathic pain and help tailor therapy to patients most likely to benefit.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies with PNS have shown symptom relief in selected patients, but this project adds mechanistic insight to optimize use.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hah, Jennifer — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Hah, Jennifer
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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.