Testing brain stimulation methods for neuropathic eye pain relief
Alternating and Direct Current Stimulation for the Treatment of Chronic Neuropathic Eye Pain and Cerebral Symptoms: a Pilot Study
NA · Region Östergötland · NCT05931250
This study is testing two types of brain stimulation to see if they can help people with neuropathic eye pain feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Region Östergötland (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Linköping, Other / Non-US) |
| Trial ID | NCT05931250 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical intervention aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two forms of transcranial current stimulation—transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS)—in alleviating neuropathic eye pain. A total of 20 patients will undergo fifteen 30-minute stimulation sessions over five days, with treatments administered three times daily. The study will assess the subjective experiences of patients through questionnaires and pupillometry to monitor outcomes before and after treatment. The primary goal is to determine if one stimulation method is superior to the other in reducing pain and associated cerebral symptoms.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals experiencing persistent eye pain for at least six months with a pain intensity rating of 4 or more on a 0-10 scale.
Not a fit: Patients with ocular diseases that are the likely cause of their pain or those with contraindications to transcranial stimulation will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive treatment option for patients suffering from chronic neuropathic eye pain.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of tDCS and tACS for neuropathic eye pain is novel, similar studies using transcranial stimulation for pain relief have shown promising results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * persistent eye pain for at least 6 months * average eye pain intensity of 4 or more on a 0-10 numerical rating scale * naive to transcranial stimulation * eye pain having neuropathic-like characteristics Exclusion Criteria: * contraindication to transcranial stimulation (i.e., pacemaker, cardioverter defibrillator, neuro-stimulation (brain or spinal cord), bone growth stimulations, indwelling blood pressure monitors, epilepsy, pregnancy) * presence of ocular diseases that are the likely cause of pain (i.e., corneal and conjunctival scarring, corneal edema, uveitis, iris transillumination defects, etc.) * current participation in another study with an investigational drug or device within one month prior to screening
Where this trial is running
Linköping, Other / Non-US
- Eye Clinic, University Hospital in Linköping — Linköping, Other / Non-US, Sweden (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Neil Lagali, PhD — RegionÖstergötland
- Study coordinator: Neil Lagali, PhD
- Email: neil.lagali@liu.se
- Phone: +4613286680
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.
Conditions: Eye Pain, Neuropathy, Optic, Cerebral Injury