Investigating pain mechanisms in patients with spinal cord injuries
Official title: Pain Phenotyping in Patients With Neuropathic Pain After Spinal Cord Injury
Run by University of Zurich · NCT06443281 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to understand how spinal cord injuries cause nerve pain by looking at how the body processes pain and responds to it in people with different types of spinal injuries and nerve issues.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Zurich Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zurich, Canton of Zurich) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 17, 2024 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2030 |
| Study ends | April 30, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | May 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06443281 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18-80 with spinal cord injuries or peripheral neuropathy, both with and without neuropathic pain.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with conditions unrelated to spinal cord injury or peripheral neuropathy may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to explore the underlying mechanisms of neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury (SCI). It employs advanced sensory and pain phenotyping techniques, including quantitative sensory testing and neurophysiological measures, to assess pain processing and autonomic responses. The study will also examine the relationship between the somatosensory and autonomic nervous systems in the context of neuropathic pain development and maintenance. Participants will include individuals with various types of spinal injuries and control cohorts with peripheral neuropathy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of neuropathic pain in spinal cord injury patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in understanding pain mechanisms in similar populations, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Spinal injury cohort - general inclusion criteria: * Aged between 18-80 years * Traumatic and non-traumatic etiology * Para- and tetraplegic SCI * Complete and incomplete SCI * SCI with and without neuropathic pain * Additional inclusion criteria for longitudinal study: * SCI since less than one month * Additional inclusion criteria for cross-sectional study: * SCI since more than one year * Control cohorts with peripheral neuropathy: * General inclusion criteria: * Aged between 18-80 years * Neurological disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system (i.e., peripheral neuropathy) * Peripheral neuropathy with or without neuropathic pain * Additional inclusion criteria for longitudinal study: * Peripheral neuropathy since less than one month * Additional inclusion criteria for cross-sectional study: * Peripheral neuropathy since more than one year * Control cohorts without neuropathy / healthy volunteers * General inclusion criteria: * Aged between 18-80 years * No medical condition affecting the peripheral and/or central nervous system (e.g., pain, systemic disease, psychological disorder) Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to follow study instructions * Pregnancy * Medically manifested psychological disorder * Medical condition affecting the peripheral and/or central nervous system other than the desired experimental condition (e.g., additional peripheral neuropathy in the SCI cohort)
Where it's running
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Balgrist University Hospital
Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Patrick Freund, Prof. Dr. Dr. — University of Zurich
- Study coordinator: Michèle Hubli, PD Dr.
- Email: michele.hubli@balgrist.ch
- Phone: +41 44 510 72 03
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.