Investigating brain changes in patients with central poststroke pain

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to explore the relationship between clinical aspects of central poststroke pain (CPP) and neuroimaging findings using MRI techniques. It focuses on understanding the pathophysiology of CPP by examining metabolic changes and functional reorganization in the brain. By correlating pain phenomenology with MRI data, the research seeks to identify potential biomarkers that could aid in early diagnosis and treatment strategies for CPP. The study includes patients aged 18-75 who have experienced a stroke affecting the somatosensory system.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria patients:

* Patients with a haemorrhagic or ischemic stroke affecting the somatosensory system as defined by both CT or MRI and clinical criteria
* Patient age between 18-75 years
* Signed written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria patients:

* Secondary stroke due to a cerebral vascular malformation or tumor
* Patients with aphasic syndromes and impaired verbal communication, complete sensory-motor hemi-neglect and restrictions of the ability to report on their pain and cooperate during sensory testing
* Patients with severe stroke NIHSS \> 14 and or Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) \> 3
* History of severe myelopathy or polyneuropathy with clinical sensory deficits and history of neuropathic pain
* Widespread stroke size due to internal carotid artery-occlusion or more than one main territory (anterior, middle or posterior cerebral artery)
* Contraindication for 7T MRI (metallic implant, tattoo, claustrophobia, etc.)
* In case of women \< 45 years of age: pregnancy

Inclusion Criteria for healthy volunteers

* Informed consent as documented by signature
* Age: ≥18 years and ≤ 75 years

Exclusion criteria for healthy volunteers

* Pregnancy and breastfeeding
* Contraindication for 7T MRI (metallic implant, tattoo, claustrophobia, etc.)

Where it's running

• Dep. of Neurosurgery, Bern University Hospital
  Bern, Switzerland Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Claudio Pollo, MD — Inselspital Bern, Department of Neurosurgery
• Study coordinator: Andreas Nowacki, MD
• Email: andreas.nowacki@insel.ch
• Phone: +41316322409

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.