Using brain stimulation to treat neuropathic pain
Combining Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Investigate Pain-related Brain Networks in Patients With Neuropathic Pain
This study is testing whether a brain stimulation technique can help people with neuropathic pain feel better by looking at how it affects their brain activity.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Taipei) |
| Trial ID | NCT06237075 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 20 to 90 with confirmed neuropathic pain due to peripheral neuropathy.
Not a fit: Patients with severe systemic diseases, major neurological disorders, or significant mental health issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel non-invasive treatment option for patients with neuropathic pain who are unresponsive to conventional therapies.
How similar studies have performed: While the combination of tDCS and fMRI is a relatively novel approach, previous studies have shown promise in using tDCS for pain management.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Taipei
- 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
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.