Using body illusions and brain stimulation to treat pain in spinal cord injury
Mechanisms and Utility of Multisensory Body- Representation in SCI and SCI-Related Neuropathic Pain
This study is testing if combining body illusions with a type of brain stimulation can help reduce pain and improve sensation in people with spinal cord injuries.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Miami Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Miami, Florida) |
| Trial ID | NCT06010251 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of combining bodily illusions with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to alleviate neuropathic pain and improve sensory functions in individuals with spinal cord injuries. Participants aged 18-70 with moderate to severe neuropathic pain will be recruited for the intervention. The study aims to explore how these multisensory techniques can impact pain management and sensory perception in this population. The approach is innovative, focusing on the integration of sensory experiences and brain stimulation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-70 with spinal cord injuries above L1 and persistent moderate to severe neuropathic pain lasting at least three months.
Not a fit: Patients with major psychiatric disorders, significant neurological trauma, or certain medical implants may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a novel non-invasive treatment option for managing neuropathic pain in spinal cord injury patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the combination of bodily illusions and tDCS is a relatively novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in pain management, indicating potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
The study will be open to people of any ethnicity, racial background, and gender. Inclusion criteria: SCI with Pain: 1. Men or women 2. fluent in English 3. 18-70 years of age who have: (3a) Complete and incomplete SCI, level of injury (above L1); (3b) Persistent neuropathic pain started after the injury for a minimum of three months prior to entering the study that is at least moderate in severity, defined as ≥ 4 on a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) ranging 0 to 10. Exclusion criteria: Participants will be excluded if they have: 1. Major psychiatric disease/disorder (self-reported); 2. a significant neurological trauma (self-reported) other than SCI; 3. a recent (one-year) history of alcohol or drug abuse assessed by the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10) 4. history of visual and hearing loss not corrected 5. history of epilepsy or seizures 6. any metal implants in the head, or implanted devices such as cochlea implants or cardiac pacemakers. We will not include any special population like: Adults unable to consent Individuals who are not yet adults (infants, children, teenagers) Pregnant women Prisoners
Where this trial is running
Miami, Florida
- University of Miami — Miami, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Eva Widerstrom-Noga, PhD — University of Miami
- Study coordinator: Eva Widerstrom-Noga, PhD
- Email: ewiderstrom-noga@med.miami.edu
- Phone: (305)243-7125
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.