Transcutaneous pulsed radiofrequency for postherpetic neuralgia pain
Official title: Efficacy of Transcutaneous Pulsed Radiofrequency in Postherpetic Neuralgia
Run by Prof. Dr. Cemil Tascıoglu Education and Research Hospital Organization · NCT07390279 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will try a non-invasive pulsed radiofrequency treatment applied through the skin to reduce pain in adults with postherpetic neuralgia who have not responded to standard treatments.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 35 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Prof. Dr. Cemil Tascıoglu Education and Research Hospital Organization Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Istanbul) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | August 3, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07390279 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (age ≥18) with a clinical diagnosis of postherpetic neuralgia who have persistent pain despite standard therapies and can attend in-person visits are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with implanted cardiac pacemakers, active skin infection or lesions at the treatment site, metallic implants in the treatment area, pregnancy, or recent invasive/noninvasive PHN treatments may not be eligible or benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, single-arm observational study at the Algology Clinic of Cemil Taşcıoğlu City Hospital that delivers transcutaneous pulsed radiofrequency (TCPRF) to the painful dermatomal area in adults with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Pain intensity will be recorded with Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after the procedure. Secondary outcomes include sensory and affective pain dimensions (SF-MPQ), neuropathic pain features (DN4), quality of life (SF-12), and reporting of any adverse events related to the procedure. Eligible patients are adults with PHN refractory to recent conventional topical or systemic treatments and without contraindications such as pacemakers or active skin infection at the treatment site.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, TCPRF could provide a non-invasive option to reduce pain and improve quality of life for adults with treatment-resistant postherpetic neuralgia.
How similar studies have gone: Small studies and case series of pulsed radiofrequency—mostly percutaneous—have suggested benefit for neuropathic pain, but transcutaneous pulsed radiofrequency is less well studied and high-quality evidence is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years * Diagnosis of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) * No invasive or noninvasive treatment related to PHN (e.g., capsaicin, lidocaine patches) within the past 3 months * Provision of written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with a cardiac pacemaker * Known allergy to transcutaneous electrode pads * Active skin infection at the pad application site * Presence of a metallic implant in the treatment area * Circulatory disorders or skin lesions at the treatment site * Inability to maintain appropriate positioning * Inability to communicate effectively * Presence of psychosis or progressive neurological deficits * Pregnancy
Where it's running
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Istanbul Prof. Dr. Cemil Taşcioğlu City Hospital
Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
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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.