Combining rTMS with virtual reality mirror therapy for neuropathic pain relief
Official title: Clinical Study of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (RTMS) Efficacy Coupled With Mirror Therapy for Neuropathic Pain Relief
Run by Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne · NCT04867187 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if combining a brain stimulation technique with virtual reality therapy can help people with nerve pain feel better.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 64 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Bron and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 27, 2022 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | April 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04867187 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals with neuropathic pain that is refractory to drug therapies and has persisted for at least six months.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications such as ferromagnetic implants, active epilepsy, or ongoing opioid treatment may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This project investigates the effects of combining repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with virtual reality mirror therapy on individuals suffering from neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain is challenging to treat with conventional medications, and this study aims to enhance the analgesic effects of rTMS by integrating it with a novel therapeutic approach. The study will assess daily pain intensity, quality of life, and brain activity to determine the efficacy of this combined treatment. It represents a pioneering effort to explore the synergistic potential of these two non-invasive neuromodulation techniques.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients suffering from neuropathic pain.
How similar studies have gone: While the combination of rTMS and virtual reality mirror therapy is novel, previous studies have shown success with each technique individually in managing pain.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical symptoms typical of neuropathic pain * Refractory to drug therapies * Lasting for at least 6 months, with a moderate to severe pain intensity (≥4/10 on Visual Analog Scale, VAS) and a stable pain treatment since 1month at least * Having right to health benefits Exclusion Criteria: * Ferromagnetic components and implanted microprocessors (i.e. cochlear implants) * Drug-resistant or active epilepsy, pacemaker, pregnancy, ongoing depression or personality troubles, and ongoing opioid treatment. * Any other contraindications to MRI scanner (e.g., claustrophobia, etc.).
Where it's running
-
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint-Etienne
Saint-Etienne, France Recruiting -
Hôpital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer
Bron, France Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Roland Peyron, MDPHD — Centre Hospitalier de Saint-Etienne
- Study coordinator: Roland Peyron, MDPHD
- Email: roland.peyron@univ-st-etienne.fr
- Phone: (0)477825684
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Neuropathic Pain Severity in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and Its Link to Radiology
This study will test how severe neuropathic pain is in adults with lumbar spinal stenosis and see if it relates to MRI findings and other clinical features.
-
Virtual Reality-Based Hypnotherapy to Help Pain, Sleep, and Mood in Spinal Cord Injury
Adults with spinal cord injury will try adding short VR-based hypnotherapy sessions to their standard physiotherapy to see if it reduces pain and improves sleep and mood.
-
Extended-release Pregabalin for nerve pain from diabetes or shingles
This phase 3 study tests an extended-release form of pregabalin to see if it reduces nerve-pain symptoms in adults with diabetic neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia.
-
High-Intensity Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation for Traumatic Nerve Injury
This study tests whether adding high-intensity peripheral magnetic stimulation to a structured exercise program can reduce pain and improve function for adults with a traumatic peripheral nerve injury.
-
Hematological clues and how patients respond to nerve blocks for neuropathic pain
This study looks at blood inflammation markers to see if they relate to how well people with neuropathic pain respond to sympathetic nerve blocks.
-
Cord plasma eye drops to treat neuropathic corneal pain
This trial will test whether cord plasma eye drops can reduce long-lasting nerve-related corneal pain in people with evidence of corneal nerve damage.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.