Comparing high-frequency spinal cord stimulation to traditional methods for diabetic nerve pain

A Multicentre Clinical Study of High-frequency Electrical Spinal Cord Stimulation Versus Electrical Spinal Cord Stimulation in the Treatment of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain

Not applicable Interventional China-Japan Friendship Hospital · NCT06158529

This study tests if high-frequency spinal cord stimulation can help people with painful diabetic nerve pain more effectively than traditional methods.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorChina-Japan Friendship Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing)
Trial IDNCT06158529 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of high-frequency spinal cord stimulation (HF-SCS) compared to traditional spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in treating painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN). It is a multicenter, randomized controlled trial that aims to assess the impact of HF-SCS on neurological function and microcirculation in patients suffering from PDPN. The research seeks to establish a standardized treatment platform and provide evidence-based insights into the efficacy of HF-SCS, potentially improving treatment standards and patient quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 80 diagnosed with diabetes and experiencing specific types of neuropathic pain in their lower extremities for over six months.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases, recent lumbar spine surgery, or other spinal abnormalities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer a more effective treatment option for patients suffering from painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for high-frequency spinal cord stimulation in treating chronic neuropathic pain, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosed with diabetes, aged between 18 and 80 years old;
2. Symmetrical pain in the distal lower extremities with or without dysesthesia;
3. Duration of symptoms exceeding 6 months;
4. Pain described as stabbing and/or electric shock-like and/or burning sensation;
5. Abnormal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST);
6. Presence of hyperalgesia and allodynia;
7. Absence of lower limb reflexes and muscle strength abnormalities;
8. Normal MRI or CT scans without spinal canal stenosis or other spinal abnormalities.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Concurrent severe cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases;
2. History of lumbar spine surgery, trauma, or spinal canal stenosis within the past 6 months, or a history of lumbar spine surgery, trauma, or spinal canal stenosis that would impact the SCS surgery and pain assessment in this study;
3. Presence of radicular symptoms;
4. Other spinal abnormalities, such as benign or malignant tumors, congenital abnormalities of the spine, spinal instability, etc.;
5. Coexisting disorders of the coagulation system, malignant tumors, infections, and psychiatric or psychological disorders;
6. Pregnancy.

Where this trial is running

Beijing

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.
Conditions Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathyspinal cord stimulation
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.