Using electrical stimulation to relieve chronic pain in patients with inflammatory demyelinating diseases

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 investigates the effects of transcranial electrical stimulation combined with a visual placebo on alleviating symptoms such as painful spasms in patients with idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system. It aims to assess the therapeutic efficacy of this non-invasive neurostimulation approach while considering individual differences in neural responsiveness. The study will also explore the relationship between imaging characteristics, electrophysiological features, and clinical manifestations of the disease. By analyzing these factors, the research seeks to identify key determinants of treatment efficacy.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, multiple sclerosis, or other central nervous system inflammatory demyelinating diseases that meet the diagnostic criteria;

Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain score ≥4;

Age between 18 and 65 years, regardless of gender;

Stable dose of immunosuppressive therapy for at least one month;

EDSS score ≤6;

Right-handed;

Agree to participate and sign the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

A history of relapse within the past month;

Recent medication adjustments or treatment with modified electroconvulsive therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, or other neurostimulation techniques within the past month;

Participation in any other clinical trial within the past month or currently participating in another clinical trial;

Presence of cochlear implants, pacemakers, or implanted stimulators in the brain;

Skin integrity at the electrode placement site is compromised, or allergy to electrode gel or adhesive;

A history of epilepsy, hydrocephalus, central nervous system tumors, brain injury, or intracranial infections;

Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those planning to become pregnant in the near future;

A score of ≥3 on item 3 (suicide item) of the HDRS-17, or a history of severe psychiatric disorders;

Presence of severe or unstable organic diseases;

Poor patient compliance preventing cooperation with treatment, follow-up, or clinical, EEG, and imaging data collection;

Any other situation deemed unsuitable for participation in the study by the investigator.

Where it's running

• Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University
  Beijing, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Junwei Hao, MD
• Email: haojunwei@vip.163.com
• Phone: 01083198277

Similar studies

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

• Transcranial alternating current stimulation for cognitive problems in inflammatory demyelinating CNS disorders

  This trial will try transcranial alternating current stimulation to see if it improves thinking and memory in adults with multiple sclerosis and related inflammatory demyelinating central nervous system disorders.

  Recruiting Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing · Beijing, Beijing Municipality · NCT07087873

• Personalized brain stimulation for thinking problems in inflammatory demyelinating disorders

  This project will test whether personalized transcranial electrical stimulation can improve thinking and memory in adults with inflammatory demyelinating diseases such as MS and NMOSD.

  Recruiting Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing · Beijing · NCT07029386

• Personalized electrical stimulation for emotional disorders in patients with CNS demyelination

  This study is testing if a new type of electrical stimulation can help people with multiple sclerosis and similar conditions feel less anxious.

  Recruiting Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing · Beijing, Beijing Municipality · NCT06933537

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.