Using deep rTMS to treat neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia

Effects of Deep rTMS in Neuropathic Pain or Fibromyalgia : a Bicenter Randomized Sham Controlled Study

NA · Hospital Ambroise Paré Paris · NCT06250491

This study is testing if a special type of brain stimulation can help people with neuropathic pain or fibromyalgia feel less pain over three months.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorHospital Ambroise Paré Paris (other)
Locations2 sites (Boulogne-Billancourt and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06250491 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the efficacy and safety of deep repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) using an H-coil for patients suffering from neuropathic pain or fibromyalgia. It is a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial lasting three months, where participants will receive either active or sham rTMS sessions. The treatment involves five daily sessions followed by weekly sessions, with a total of up to ten weeks of treatment. The primary outcome measure is the percentage of pain relief assessed at week 13.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with chronic neuropathic pain or fibromyalgia lasting at least six months and experiencing daily pain rated at 4/10 or higher.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to rTMS, prior rTMS treatment, or severe progressive conditions such as cancer may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide significant pain relief for patients suffering from chronic neuropathic pain or fibromyalgia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with rTMS for chronic pain conditions, suggesting potential efficacy for this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Chronic pain ≥ 6 months, at least 4/10 on a 0-10 NRS, present every day or nearly every day
* Neuropathic pain (confirmed with Douleur Neuropathique en 4 questions and international criteria from NeuPSIG) or fibromyalgia (revised ACR criteria)
* Stable concomitant medications for pain for at least one month
* Able to fill out questionnaires and understand and speak French

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindications to rTMS
* Prior treatment with rTMS
* Progressive severe condition (eg cancer)
* Psychosis
* Psychoactive drug abuse

Where this trial is running

Boulogne-Billancourt and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Neuropathic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Neuropathic pain - Fibromyalgia - deep rTMS

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.