Repetitive TMS to relieve neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury

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

Adults with chronic central neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury will receive repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) targeted to the anterior cingulate cortex, compared with motor cortex stimulation and sham TMS. The intervention arms include active and sham TMS; treatments are delivered in person at participating hospitals. Eligible participants are 18–65 years old, at least 12 months post-injury, with pain below the lesion for at least 6 months and VAS > 4 despite standard pharmacologic and rehabilitative care. Exclusions include epilepsy, metallic or electronic cranial implants, spinal cord stimulator, pacemaker, significant psychiatric illness, and pregnancy; pain due to other causes is also excluded.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients for whom at least 12 months have passed since the date of the spinal cord injury
2. Patients who meet the International Spinal Cord Injury Pain (ISCIP) Classification criteria for central neuropathic pain below the level of the lesion and who have had pain for at least 6 months
3. Patients aged 18-65
4. Pain not attributable to other causes such as rheumatological diseases or diabetes
5. Patients with VAS \> 4 despite maximum dose of pharmacological agents (anticonvulsants, antidepressants, opioids), exercise and physical therapy agents, taking into account renal function tests and other comorbidities

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of epilepsy
2. Metallic implant in the scalp
3. Cochlear implant
4. Spinal cord stimulator
5. Pacemaker
6. Presence of psychiatric illness
7. Pregnancy

Where it's running

• Ankara Etlik City Hospital
  Ankara, Yenimahalle, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
• Gaziler Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital
  Ankara, Çankaya, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Ayşe Naz Kalem, Specialist — Ankara Etlik City Hospital
• Study coordinator: Ayşe Naz Kalem Özgen, specialist
• Email: kalemnaz@gmail.com
• Phone: +90 312 797 00 00

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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.