High-frequency spinal cord stimulation for herpes zoster pain relief

The Efficacy of High-frequency Short-time Spinal Cord Stimulation in the Treatment of Herpes Zoster-associated Neuralgia

This study is testing if high-frequency spinal cord stimulation can help relieve pain for people with shingles who haven't found relief from regular treatments.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 74 (estimated)
• Ages: 40 Years to 85 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Zunyi Medical College (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Zunyi, Guizhou)
• Trial ID: NCT06942806 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of high-frequency spinal cord stimulation (HF-SCS) in treating herpes zoster-associated neuralgia, a painful condition resulting from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. The research focuses on patients who have not responded adequately to conventional treatments and examines the impact of HF-SCS on pain relief and quality of life. The methodology involves comparing HF-SCS with traditional low-frequency stimulation, assessing various parameters such as frequency, pulse width, and amplitude to optimize pain management. The study aims to provide insights into the mechanisms of pain modulation and the potential benefits of HF-SCS in this patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with moderate to severe herpes zoster-associated pain who have not responded to non-surgical treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with severe psychiatric disorders or those with significant local or systemic infections may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve pain management and quality of life for patients suffering from herpes zoster-associated neuralgia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with spinal cord stimulation for neuropathic pain, suggesting potential success for this novel high-frequency approach.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with inadequate response to non-surgical treatments such as pharmacotherapy;
2. Patients with major organ dysfunction intolerant to drug therapy;
3. Patients with systemic comorbidities (e.g., hypertension, diabetes mellitus);
4. Patients with moderate to severe pain intensity (Numerical Rating Scale \[NRS\] score ≥ 4).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with severe psychiatric disorders;
2. Patients with severe local or systemic infections at the puncture site;
3. Patients with severe coagulopathies (platelet count \< 80×10⁹/L during puncture) or those requiring uninterrupted anticoagulation therapy without bridging protocol;
4. Patients with end-stage organ failure who cannot maintain prone positioning or tolerate the procedure;
5. Patients with severe spinal stenosis, vertebral ankylosis, or scoliosis;
6. Patients with language barrier or impaired communication abilities.ion

Where this trial is running

Zunyi, Guizhou

• 149 Dalian Road, Huichuan District, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province — Zunyi, Guizhou, China (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: 梨 赵

Conditions: Herpes Zoster Pain, Spinal cord stimulation, Herpes zoster-associated neuralgia, Neuromodulation, High-frequency spinal cord electrical stimulation