Deep brain stimulation for severe facial pain caused by a pontine lesion

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using deep brain stimulation to treat refractory trigeminal neuralgia associated with pontine lesions, commonly seen in multiple sclerosis patients. Participants will undergo implantation of a deep brain stimulation lead to modulate pain signals, addressing the severe facial pain that has not responded to conventional treatments. The study focuses on patients who have experienced significant pain despite multiple drug therapies and surgical interventions. By targeting the pontine lesion, the researchers hope to provide a novel approach to pain management in this challenging patient population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults of at least 18 years old
* Refractory trigeminal neuralgia : failure of at least 3 drugs and at least two lesioning surgical interventions (radiosurgery, percutaneous rhizotomy, or open rhizotomy).
* Pontine lesion proved by MRI in contact with trigeminal nerve tract

Exclusion Criteria:

* Absolute contraindication to MRI
* Medical contraindication to the procedure

Where it's running

• Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS)
  Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Christian Iorio-Morin, MD, PhD, FRCS(C)
• Email: Christian.Iorio-Morin@usherbrooke.ca
• Phone: 819-346-1110

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

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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.