NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Treating central post-stroke pain with targeted ultrasound therapy

Official title: Treating Central Post-Stroke Pain with Transcranial Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound (PAINLESS)

Funded at Duke University · NIH-11424778 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A Duke University study is testing a non-invasive, focused ultrasound treatment to reduce pain in people who have CPSP after a stroke.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project startSeptember 17, 2026
Project endAugust 31, 2028
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$1,360,790
NIH project number1UG3NS150067-01
Project IDNIH-11424778 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with central post-stroke pain due to brain injury affecting motor cortex or thalamus.

Less likely to help

Patients without CPSP or those not eligible for the ultrasound intervention may not benefit.

What this research studies

This project will upgrade a lab ultrasound system to a clinical-grade device and work with the FDA to determine safety and regulatory needs. In the next phase, 24 CPSP patients will participate in a crossover trial comparing different combinations of motor cortex and thalamus stimulation to find the most effective approach. The goal is to provide a precise, non-invasive option for who experience long-lasting post-stroke pain. If successful, this could offer a new pathway to relieve CPSP with fewer risks than invasive procedures.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience meaningful pain relief with a non-invasive treatment.

How similar studies have gone: Prior neuromodulation approaches showed mixed results; this study builds on those efforts with precise brain-targeting.

Where this research is happening

  • Duke University
    Durham, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Feng, Wuwei — Duke University
  • Study coordinator: Feng, Wuwei

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.