Effects of brain stimulation on pain perception and decision-making
Official title: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Modulation of Affect and Pain
Run by Trustees of Dartmouth College · NCT06989749 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether a type of brain stimulation can change how people feel pain and make decisions about it.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Trustees of Dartmouth College Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hanover, New Hampshire) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 9, 2023 |
| Main results expected | November 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | October 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06989749 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18-55 who can perform experimental tasks and are fluent in English.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of psychiatric disorders, chronic pain, or neurological conditions 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 double-blind randomized crossover study investigates how transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the left primary motor cortex affects thermal pain perception, decision-making related to pain, and social placebo effects. Participants will undergo four sessions, including a pain calibration session and three experimental sessions with different tDCS conditions: anodal, cathodal, or sham. Each session involves pain testing and decision-making tasks conducted inside an MRI scanner to assess the impact of tDCS on pain ratings and social decision-making. The study aims to determine whether anodal tDCS reduces pain perception while cathodal tDCS increases it compared to sham stimulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new non-invasive methods for managing pain and improving decision-making in pain-related contexts.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with tDCS in pain modulation, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ages 18-55 * Participants must be capable of performing experimental tasks (e.g., are able to read) * Fluent or native speakers of English Exclusion Criteria: * No self-reported current or history of depression, bipolar disorder, or other psychiatric diagnosis. * No self-reported current seizure disorder (i.e., seizure within past 10 years) * No history of stroke or other major neurological diagnosis. * No self-reported current chronic pain, or acute pain within three months of the study period. * No current migraine disorder (i.e., 15 headache days or more in 1 month). * No use of central nervous system-effective medication or other medication for neurological/psychiatric treatment. No self-reported substance abuse within the last six months. * No contraindication to MRI or tDCS (e.g., pregnancy, claustrophobia, pacemakers, ear/cochlear implants, shrapnel injuries, clips, or other ferromagnetic/electrical objects/devices, diagnosed brain abnormality such as tumor, or skin lesions on the scalp.). * No contraindications for induced pain (e.g., no heart disease, high blood pressure, heart surgery, heart problems of any kind, severe asthma, respiratory problems of any kind, fibromyalgia, Raynaud's Syndrome or Disease, chronic pain, diabetes).
Where it's running
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Dartmouth College
Hanover, New Hampshire, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Tor Wager D Principal Investigator, PhD
- Email: Tor.D.Wager@Dartmouth.edu
- Phone: 603-646-2196
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.