Personalized magnetic stimulation treatment for chronic pain
Personalized Pain Treatment by Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Patients With Chronic Pain: a Study on Mechanisms
This study is testing a personalized magnetic treatment for chronic pain to see if targeting specific areas of the brain can provide better relief than standard methods.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Aalborg University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Gistrup, North Denmark) |
| Trial ID | NCT06395649 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project investigates the use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a personalized treatment for chronic pain. By analyzing brain signal measurements through EEG before therapy, the study aims to tailor rTMS applications to individual patients rather than using a standardized approach. This personalized method seeks to improve the effectiveness of pain relief by targeting specific brain areas based on each patient's unique brain connectivity. The study will compare classical rTMS to different personalized targets and a sham treatment to assess the outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals experiencing chronic pain for more than three months with a pain intensity rating between 3-9 on a 0-10 scale.
Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled major depression, substance abuse issues, or contraindications to TMS will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance pain relief for chronic pain patients by providing tailored treatments that are more effective than current standardized methods.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of personalized rTMS is relatively novel, previous studies have shown promise in using brain connectivity information to enhance treatment outcomes in various conditions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Presence of chronic pain (present most of the days for more than 3 months). * Pain with a mean pain intensity between 3-9 on a 0-10 pain scale (where 0 means no pain and 10 means the worst pain imaginable). * Speak and understand English or Danish Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant or breastfeeding * Current uncontrolled major depression as the main diagnosis * Current history of substance abuse * Lack of ability to cooperate, to fully understand the protocol or any difficulty in filling out questionnaires (e.g., due to language or cognitive problems) * Formal contraindications to TMS application (presence of epilepsy, cranial implanted ferromagnetic devices, e.g., intracranial neurostimulator or cochlear implants, tattoos with metal ink on the face or permanent make up with metal in the face )16 * Unable to answer the "Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Adult Safety Screen" screening questionnaire. * Participation in other research protocols within 1 month before the inclusion.
Where this trial is running
Gistrup, North Denmark
- Aalborg University — Gistrup, North Denmark, Denmark (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Enrico De Martino, Dr — Aalborg University
- Study coordinator: Enrico De Martino, Dr
- Email: edm@hst.aau.dk
- Phone: 91811183
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.