Understanding how the brain processes chronic pain in children

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

This study aims to investigate the brain mechanisms involved in chronic pain among pediatric patients suffering from various conditions such as migraines, complex regional pain syndromes, and fibromyalgia. By utilizing functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), quantitative sensory testing, and psychological assessments, the research will identify shared and distinct brain systems engaged by different forms of chronic pain. The study will also explore predictors of recovery and the brain systems associated with the spread of pain. A total of 400 patients aged 10 to 17 will be recruited to participate in this comprehensive analysis.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients will need a diagnosis of a chronic pain derived congruent with ICD-11 criteria related to headache (migraine, daily headache), abdominal (FAPD), localized MSK (single limb/joint, low back or chest pain), diffuse MSK (widespread MSK pain), or CRPS
* If on medications, they need to be on stable doses of prescribed pain and/or psychiatric medications for 4 weeks before the baseline study visit.
* Male or female, age 10 -17 (inclusive)
* English speaking, able to complete interviews and questionnaires in English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Weight/size incompatible with MRI scanner
* Orthodontic braces, metallic or electronic implants, or other metal objects in the body which obscure or interfere with the MRI, or pose a risk from heating, movement, or malfunction in the MRI environment
* Claustrophobia
* Youth who are pregnant
* Any comorbid rheumatic disease, diagnosis of epilepsy, other neurological diseases, or medical condition (e.g. diabetes, cancer, IBD)
* Present psychiatric disease as defined by DSM IV (e.g. psychosis, bipolar disorder, major depression, generalized anxiety disorder), alcohol or drug dependence, or documented developmental delays or impairments (e.g., autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD, or mental retardation) that, in the opinion of the investigator, would interfere with adherence to study requirements or safe participation in the study
* Skin conditions or past skin damage on the arms or legs in or near sites of sensory testing
* Outside the age range (9 years old or younger; 18 years or older) at the time of consent
* History of \> 1 month opioid treatment.

Where it's running

• Cincinnati Children's Hospital
  Cincinnati, Ohio, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Robert Coghill, PhD — Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati
• Study coordinator: Catherine Jackson, MSc
• Email: Catherine.Jackson@cchmc.org
• Phone: 5136360669

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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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.