tDCS for CRPS: see if a non‑invasive brain stimulation helps reduce pain
Official title: Study of the Effectiveness of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in the Management of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Run by Polyclinique de l'Europe · NCT07361692 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether transcranial direct current stimulation can lessen pain and improve mood and function for people with complex regional pain syndrome.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Polyclinique de l'Europe Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Saint-Nazaire) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07361692 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with active CRPS meeting Budapest criteria, confirmed by scintigraphy, and who are affiliated with a social security scheme.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not respond to tDCS or who experience no meaningful pain reduction may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Researchers will compare a real tDCS treatment to a sham control in CRPS patients over one month of treatment and one month afterward. They will measure pain levels, anxiety and depression, functional impact of pain, central sensitization, and record any adverse effects. The study uses a non-invasive, low-risk stimulation approach already explored in other chronic pain conditions. Outcomes will indicate if tDCS provides meaningful relief beyond placebo. The trial is conducted at Polyclinique de l'Europe in Saint-Nazaire and targets adults with active CRPS who meet Budapest criteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reduced pain and improved quality of life and functioning.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in other chronic pain conditions suggest tDCS can be beneficial; applicability to CRPS is being explored.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Major * Clinically active or active complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) with positive Budapest criteria * Scintigraphy showing signs consistent with CRPS * Being affiliated with or a beneficiary of a social security scheme Exclusion Criteria: * Algodystrophy no longer meeting the Budapest criteria * Relative contraindication to tDCS: psychosis (including treated psychosis), uncontrolled epilepsy, large scalp scar, intracerebral/intracranial metallic body * Pregnant or breastfeeding women * Minors * Persons under legal protection (guardianship, conservatorship, and protective supervision) * Persons deprived of their liberty by judicial or administrative order * Unwilling individuals who cannot give their consent or cannot return for scheduled visits according to the protocol
Where it's running
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Polyclinique de l'Europe
Saint-Nazaire, France Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Valentin Billard
- Email: vbillard@vivalto-sante.com
- Phone: 02 51 16 16 16
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Non-invasive brain stimulation to see if it changes pain avoidance in CRPS
This study tests whether a gentle brain stimulation method called tACS can change how people with complex regional pain syndrome avoid activities that might worsen their pain.
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Peripersonal space changes with upper limb segmental exclusion
This study will test whether people with unilateral segmental exclusion of the upper limb perceive their reachable space differently than healthy people using a virtual-reality reachability test.
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CRPS rehabilitation with graded imagery and desensitization tailored to you
This study tests a personalized rehab program for CRPS to see if it improves daily functioning and pain, with MRI to explore brain changes.
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.