Intermittent Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation for Chronic Pain Relief

Intermittent Dosing of Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation as an Alternate Paradigm to Continuous Low-Frequency Therapy

Not applicable Interventional Rush University Medical Center · NCT04909138

This study is testing if a new way of using nerve stimulation can help people with chronic pain feel better compared to the usual constant treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorRush University Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT04909138 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of intermittent dosing of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation as an alternative to continuous low-frequency therapy for patients with chronic pain conditions. Participants will be randomized into two groups, receiving either 20 Hz or 5 Hz stimulation in an ON/OFF cycle. Each participant will undergo a crossover design, switching stimulation paradigms after 13 weeks. The study aims to assess pain relief and the potential for improved outcomes over time compared to traditional continuous stimulation methods.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 99 who have been using continuous DRG therapy for at least one year and have experienced a minimum of 50% pain relief.

Not a fit: Patients with significant lead migration or those who have had recent corticosteroid injections may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide enhanced pain relief for patients suffering from chronic pain conditions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies on intermittent dosing in spinal cord stimulation have shown success, but this specific approach in DRG stimulation is novel and untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 18 and 99
* 1-year or more use of continuous DRG therapy as delivered a permanently implanted Abbott PROCLAIM XR Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurostimulator System for chronic back and/or leg pain
* Endorse at least 50% pain relief in the targeted area over the last year
* Must have been seen for routine follow-up within last 4 months
* Must have been reprogrammed in standard fashion at least once prior to randomization
* Willing and able to complete protocol requirements, including:

  * Complete health questionnaires and pain scales as specified in the protocol
  * Sign the study-specific informed consent form
  * Complete follow-ups at the designated time periods

Exclusion Criteria:

* Significant lead migration, as determined by clinician
* Other concurrent neuromodulation system in place
* Corticosteroid injection in previous 30 days prior to enrollment
* Intermittent dosing and/or failure within last 6m
* Changing or unstable pain medications within 30 days

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

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.
Conditions CRPSRadiculopathyPeripheral NeuropathyChronic PainDorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.