Using magnetic stimulation and rehabilitation for treating chronic pain

Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Rehabilitation for Individuals With Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1

NA · State University of New York - Upstate Medical University · NCT05745025

This study is testing if a combination of magnetic stimulation and rehabilitation can help people with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1 feel less pain and improve their function.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorState University of New York - Upstate Medical University (other)
Locations1 site (Syracuse, New York)
Trial IDNCT05745025 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial involves individuals with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1 who will be randomly assigned to receive either real or sham repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in conjunction with rehabilitation over a 4-week period. The treatment regimen includes multiple sessions of rTMS and rehabilitation aimed at improving pain and function. Participants will be monitored for changes in pain ratings, functional ability, and strength through various assessments. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of rTMS as a potential therapeutic intervention for this chronic pain condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with upper or lower extremity CRPS Type 1 for at least 6 months and experiencing moderate pain.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of seizures, certain medical devices, or psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and improve functional outcomes for patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1.

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

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Upper or lower extremity CRPS Type 1 (also called RSD-Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) of at least 6 months.
* Pain rating on NPRS of at least 4/10
* No initiation of a new intervention (i.e., medication, rehab, injections) in the previous 2 months.
* No plan to initiate a new intervention during the study treatment timeframe (4 weeks).

Exclusion Criteria:

* A history of seizures or epilepsy
* Intracranial metallic devices
* Pacemaker
* Intrathecal infusion pumps
* Brain or spinal cord stimulators with epidural electrodes
* Other ferromagnetic metallic intracranial implants
* Apparent mental or psychiatric disorder that prevents adequate informed consent
* Current pregnancy
* Non-English speaking

Where this trial is running

Syracuse, New York

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: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I

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.