Using at-home neurostimulation to reduce pain in patients with end-stage kidney disease on dialysis
Official title: Delivery of an At-Home Nonpharmacologic Intervention (Transcranial Neurostimulation) to Mitigate Pain in Patients with End Stage Kidney Disease Receiving Hemodialysis
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10991001 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with end-stage kidney disease manage their pain at home during hemodialysis using a gentle electrical stimulation method, which could reduce the need for strong pain medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2021 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $517,198 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK131050-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991001 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are receiving hemodialysis for end-stage kidney disease and experience chronic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing hemodialysis or those with acute pain conditions unrelated to chronic kidney disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive therapy, to help manage pain in patients with end-stage kidney disease who are undergoing hemodialysis. The approach aims to provide an at-home intervention that minimizes reliance on opioid medications, which can have significant side effects. By focusing on a diverse patient population, particularly racial and ethnic minorities, the study seeks to rigorously evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this novel pain management technique. Patients will receive stimulation sessions at home, allowing for greater accessibility and convenience.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve pain management for patients with end-stage kidney disease, enhancing their quality of life and reducing the need for opioid medications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise with transcranial direct current stimulation in managing chronic pain, but this specific application in end-stage kidney disease is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reid, Manney Carrington — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Reid, Manney Carrington
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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.