Using brain stimulation to treat neuropathic pain

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 project investigates the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on neuropathic pain caused by peripheral neuropathy. The study employs a unique approach by combining tDCS with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to observe the brain's response during stimulation. The primary targets for stimulation are the primary motor cortex and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The goal is to enhance understanding of how tDCS can modulate pain-related brain networks and potentially improve treatment strategies for patients suffering from neuropathic pain.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* 1\. Age 20 or older and 90 or younger. 2. Ability to give informed consent 3. Neuropathic pain and/or nonpainful sensory symptoms resulted from I or II I. Peripheral neuropathy confirmed by clinical symptoms nerve conduction study, autonomic function test, quantitative sensory test, or skin biopsy.

II. Stroke involving somatosensory pathway confirmed by neuroimage 4. Agree not to take caffeine, alcohol, tea and drugs with significant nervous system effects for 48 hours before each study session.

Exclusion Criteria:

* 1\. Presence of sever systemic diseases, including severe ischemic heart disease or congestive heart failure (left ventricular ejection fraction \< 30%), severe lung diseases with dyspnea, severe generalized edema, and systemic infection 2. Presence of major neurological disorders, including brain tumor, head trauma and infection or inflammation of nervous system.

  3\. Presence of major depression or any major mental disorders 4. Presence of a cardiac pacemaker, brain stimulator, aneurysm clips or metal implants in the head, unless these devices are certified to be MRI-compatible 5. Pregnancy 6. Claustrophobia or any other contraindications to MRI 7. Inability to give informed consent.

Where it's running

• National Taiwan University Hospital
  Taipei, Taiwan Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Sung-Tsang Hsieh, MD, PhD
• Email: shsieh@ntu.edu.tw
• Phone: (886)-2- 2-2312-3456

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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.