Comparing different rTMS methods for chronic neuropathic pain relief

Randomized Double-blind Study of RTMS Analgesic Effect in Chronic Neuropathic Pain. Comparison Between Three Groups: Motor Cortex Stimulation by the Classic Coil B65, Deeper Stimulation by the Coil B70 and Placebo Stimulation. Analysis of Long-term RTMS-induced Brain Changes Using FMRI.

NA · University Hospital, Grenoble · NCT04936646

This study is testing three different types of brain stimulation to see which one helps people with chronic nerve pain feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment45 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Grenoble (other)
Locations1 site (Grenoble, Isère)
Trial IDNCT04936646 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the analgesic effectiveness of three different modes of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in patients suffering from chronic neuropathic pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either classical rTMS, deeper rTMS, or a sham treatment after providing informed consent. They will record their pain intensity daily for one week before treatment and continue to do so during the seven weeks of neurostimulation sessions, followed by a two-week follow-up period. The study will assess the effectiveness of these interventions in managing refractory neuropathic pain.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals suffering from unilateral refractory neuropathic pain for over a year and whose analgesic treatment has been stable for at least one month.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of drug addiction, epilepsy, cranial trauma, or those who have previously undergone rTMS treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new non-invasive treatment option for patients with chronic neuropathic pain who do not respond to conventional therapies.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with rTMS for pain management, indicating that this approach has potential based on previous findings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient's written consent
* Affiliated with social security system
* Male or female, suffering for more than a year from unilateral refractory neuropathic pain: hemi-body, upper limb, lower limb and facial chronic pain.
* Patient whose analgesic treatment, is stable for at least 1 month.
* Patient not responding to conventional treatments
* Prescreening EVN \>3

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of drug addiction, epilepsy, cranial trauma
* History of psychiatric disorder
* Patients previously treated with rTMS
* Patient with intracranial ferromagnetic material or implanted stimulator
* New treatment for less than one month
* Pregnant or Breastfeeding woman
* Patient who does not understand the study protocol
* Persons who are protected under the act.

Where this trial is running

Grenoble, Isère

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Chronic Neuropathic Pain, rTMS, Chronic neuropathic pain, Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.