Using low-intensity focused ultrasound to treat chronic pain

Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound For Insular Neuromodulation in Chronic Pain

NA · Carilion Clinic · NCT05751096

This study is testing whether low-intensity focused ultrasound can help people with chronic pain from conditions like complex regional pain syndrome and fibromyalgia feel less pain and improve their symptoms.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment27 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorCarilion Clinic (other)
Locations1 site (Roanoke, Virginia)
Trial IDNCT05751096 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) on patients with chronic pain conditions, specifically complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and fibromyalgia (FM). It aims to determine whether LIFU can reduce pain sensation and improve clinical outcomes such as skin temperature and swelling in the affected limbs. The study employs a randomized, counterbalanced design where participants will receive either active or sham LIFU treatment during separate visits. The primary focus is to assess the physiological responses elicited by LIFU in these populations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome or fibromyalgia.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to MRI or CT, or those with a history of seizures may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-invasive treatment option for patients suffering from chronic pain.

How similar studies have performed: While LIFU has shown promise in healthy participants, this specific application for chronic pain is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) I or II (Budapest Criteria) by Carilion physician. OR Diagnosis of fibromyalgia (FM) by Carilion physician (American College of Radiology 2011 modified fibromyalgia criteria).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindications to MRI.
* Contraindications to CT
* History of seizures and/or pseudo-seizures

Where this trial is running

Roanoke, Virginia

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: Fibromyalgia, Complex Regional Pain Syndromes, Chronic Pain

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.