Training the brain to reduce phantom limb pain
Operant conditioning of sensory evoked potentials to reduce phantom limb pain
This study is testing a new, gentle therapy to help people who have lost a limb feel less phantom limb pain by training their brains to better process sensations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stratton Veterans Admin Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albany, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10851754 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a new non-invasive therapy aimed at reducing phantom limb pain (PLP) in individuals who have lost a limb. It focuses on enhancing the brain's sensory processing through a method called operant conditioning, which trains patients to increase their sensory evoked potentials (SEPs). By restoring normal organization in the somatosensory cortex, the therapy aims to alleviate the pain sensations associated with PLP. Participants will engage in targeted neuroplasticity exercises designed to improve their brain's response to sensory stimuli.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced limb amputation and suffer from phantom limb pain.
Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced limb amputation or do not suffer from phantom limb pain may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce phantom limb pain and improve the quality of life for amputees.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success with similar neuroplasticity approaches in enhancing recovery from various neurological conditions, indicating potential for this novel application.
Where this research is happening
Albany, United States
- Stratton Veterans Admin Medical Center — Albany, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brangaccio, Jodi Ann — Stratton Veterans Admin Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Brangaccio, Jodi Ann
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 below.