Comparing tDCS and physical therapy for chronic migraine relief

Effects of TDCS and Physical Therapy on Pain in Women with Chronic Migraine: a Factorial Clinical Trial Randomized, Blinded

Not applicable Interventional Federal University of Paraíba · NCT05706077

This study is testing whether a new brain stimulation method or physical therapy can help women with chronic migraines feel better and reduce their pain.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexFemale
SponsorFederal University of Paraíba Academic / other
Locations1 site (João Pessoa, Paraiba)
Trial IDNCT05706077 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical study aims to evaluate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and physical therapy on women suffering from chronic migraines. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups to receive either active tDCS, sham tDCS, real physical therapy, or placebo physical therapy. The study will assess various clinical outcomes, including pain control, frequency of migraine attacks, quality of life, and emotional well-being using multiple validated scales. The goal is to determine the most effective treatment approach for managing chronic migraine symptoms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women aged 18-50 who have been diagnosed with chronic migraine and are stable on routine medications.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have severe depression, or are undergoing other non-pharmacological treatments for migraines may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide new, effective treatment options for women suffering from chronic migraines.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on tDCS and physical therapy separately, this specific combination approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Women;
* 18-50 years old;
* with Chronic Migraine according to ICHD-3 beta;
* literate;
* stable on routine medications specific for MC for at least 2 months, who were not undergoing other types of non-pharmacological interventions for MC, not lactating or pregnant, without neurological diseases or serious neuropsychiatric diseases, without other types of associated headaches, without signs and/or symptoms of spinal radiculopathy, without metal implants located in the head and/or cochlear implants.

Exclusion Criteria:

* who perhaps become pregnant during the execution of the clinical trial
* present some disease that disables their continuity in the treatment
* start another type of treatment
* show changes in physical activity and/or eating routine during the research
* has severe depression (BDI \> 35).

Where this trial is running

João Pessoa, Paraiba

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 Migraine Disordersphysical therapytranscranial direct current stimulationfacial recognition
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.