Understanding how pain is remembered in humans
Traumatic Long-term Memory of Pain - Pain Conditioning Study in Humans
This study is trying to see how people remember pain and how their surroundings affect that memory by using virtual reality and different types of stimulation.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hospices Civils de Lyon Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bron) |
| Trial ID | NCT04189965 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the mechanisms of pain memory in humans, focusing on how pain is conditioned by its context. It consists of two parts: a pilot phase that validates a virtual environment and an experimental phase that uses electrical cutaneous stimulation and auditory cues to explore pain memorization processes. The research aims to analyze the neural networks involved and the physiological responses when participants are re-exposed to pain-related contexts. By utilizing immersive virtual reality, the study seeks to uncover the relationship between pain memory and traumatic events.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy individuals aged 18 to 50 who can provide written consent and have health insurance.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic pain, neurological issues, or those on analgesic treatments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of pain-related conditions by addressing how pain is remembered and conditioned.
How similar studies have performed: While few studies have focused on pain memory, the innovative use of virtual reality in this context suggests a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy subject * Subject between 18 and 50 years old * Subjects having given their written consent * Subjects with health insurance Exclusion Criteria: * Prior addiction to drugs * Prior neurological issues * Chronic pain (neuropathic or non-neuropathic) * Pregnant/breast-feeding women * Absence of efficient contraception method for the duration of the study (1 month) for participants of procreation age (no inclusion limitation for male participants of procreation age) * Subjects under chronic analgesic treatment or having taken an analgesic treatment in the 24 h preceding the experiment * Heart issues * Subjects under justice surveillance * Subjects participating in another study which inclusion period overlaps with the one from this study
Where this trial is running
Bron
- Hôpital Neurologique, — Bron, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Luis GARCIA-LARREA, MD
- Email: luis-jose.garcia-larrea@chu-lyon.fr
- Phone: 4 72 35 78 88
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.