Using brain stimulation to treat chronic pain that doesn't respond to other treatments
Multisite adaptive brain stimulation for multidimensional treatment of refractory chronic pain
This study is exploring how a special treatment called deep brain stimulation can help people with chronic pain that hasn't improved with regular treatments, by customizing the stimulation to better match each person's unique pain experience.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10684293 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) to address chronic pain that has not responded to conventional treatments. The approach focuses on personalizing the stimulation by targeting specific brain regions associated with different dimensions of pain, such as its location and emotional impact. By developing advanced algorithms for 'closed-loop' DBS, the study aims to optimize treatment based on individual patient needs and real-time pain processing. This could lead to more effective pain management strategies for those suffering from refractory chronic pain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic pain conditions that have not responded to other treatments, particularly those who experience multidimensional pain.
Not a fit: Patients with acute pain or those whose pain is effectively managed by existing treatments may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, personalized treatment option for patients suffering from chronic pain that is resistant to standard therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using deep brain stimulation for pain management, but this approach aims to enhance its effectiveness through personalized targeting and closed-loop systems, making it a novel endeavor.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shirvalkar, Prasad — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Shirvalkar, Prasad
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.