Electrical stimulation for neuropathic and postoperative pain evaluation

Selective Activation of Unmyelinated Skin Nerve Fibres Using Slow Depolarising Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation in Patients With Neuropathic Pain or Chronic Postoperative Pain

Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil · NCT03037684

This study is testing if a special type of electrical stimulation can help people with nerve pain or pain from surgery feel better.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment75 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorSwiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil (network)
Locations1 site (Nottwil)
Trial IDNCT03037684 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the role of voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.7 in neuropathic pain and chronic postoperative pain. It utilizes sinus-like electrical stimulation to assess pain responses in patients, particularly focusing on unmyelinated skin nociceptors. The study will characterize pain states in peripheral neuropathic pain and painful scars from postoperative conditions, employing techniques such as laser-evoked potentials and quantitative sensory testing. Additionally, pain-related questionnaires will be collected to gather comprehensive data on patient experiences.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals experiencing neuropathic pain or chronic postoperative pain.

Not a fit: Patients with severe psychiatric disorders or other neurological diseases unrelated to their pain diagnosis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients suffering from neuropathic and chronic postoperative pain.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies exploring the role of sodium channels in pain have shown promise, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Group (1) patients with neuropathic pain
* Group (2) patients with chronic postoperative pain

Exclusion Criteria (both Groups):

* severe psychiatric disorder requiring hospitalisation in the past
* any neurological disease other than the pain diagnosis

Where this trial is running

Nottwil

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Neuropathy, Peripheral, neuropathic pain, chronic postoperative pain

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.