Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 85

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 typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
Enrollment64 (estimated)
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Bron and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 27, 2022
Main results expectedDecember 2026
Study endsApril 2027
Registry record updatedMay 8, 2026
Trial IDNCT04867187 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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.