Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for chronic pain in youth
Can Brain Stimulation Enhance Outcomes Associated With Intensive Rehabilitation for Youth With Chronic Pain?
This study tests if a combination of brain stimulation and a special pain rehab program can help young people aged 10-18 with severe chronic pain feel better and get back to their daily activities.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Ages | 10 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Calgary Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Calgary, Alberta) |
| Trial ID | NCT04561401 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This intervention focuses on treating severe chronic pain in youth aged 10-18 years who have not responded to standard outpatient therapies. The program combines Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) with an Intensive Pain Rehabilitation Program (IPRP) that spans three to six weeks, involving an interdisciplinary team to teach self-management strategies. The goal is to help these youths regain normal daily functioning and improve their quality of life despite ongoing pain. The program addresses both physical and mental health aspects of chronic pain.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are youth aged 10-18 years with severe chronic pain that significantly impacts their daily life and who have not achieved functional goals through previous pain therapies.
Not a fit: Patients with significant developmental delays, brain injuries, or untreated psychiatric illnesses may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the daily functioning and quality of life for youth suffering from chronic pain.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar intensive rehabilitation programs have shown promise in improving outcomes for chronic pain, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between the ages of 10-18 years * Patient has had the appropriate medical work-up * Participation in accessible, evidenced based pain therapies has not demonstrated return to functional goals * Pain is significantly impacting the patient's life and they are not meeting their functional goals in areas of life, which may include: physical function, sleep, self-care, school attendance/academic performance, social function, recreational engagement, and mood * Patient and family agree and understand that an active, self-management approach to functional restoration is the mainstay of treatment in the IPRP Exclusion Criteria: * Significant developmental delay or brain injury * Functional neurological disorder/conversion disorder * Youth who require opioid weaning * Extensive medical needs and/or untreated psychiatric illness that would impede a rehabilitative approach to care.
Where this trial is running
Calgary, Alberta
- University of Calgary — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jillian V Miller, PhD — University of Calgary
- Study coordinator: Jillian V Miller, PhD
- Email: jillian.miller1@ucalgary.ca
- Phone: 403-955-5768
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.