Effects of brain stimulation on pain perception and decision-making
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Modulation of Affect and Pain
This study is testing whether a type of brain stimulation can change how people feel pain and make decisions about it.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Trustees of Dartmouth College Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hanover, New Hampshire) |
| Trial ID | NCT06989749 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18-55 who can perform experimental tasks and are fluent in English.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of psychiatric disorders, chronic pain, or neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with tDCS in pain modulation, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Hanover, New Hampshire
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.