Using scrambler therapy to treat pain in corticobasal syndrome

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 pilot trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of scrambler therapy (ST) in reducing neuropathic pain in patients with corticobasal syndrome (CBS). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or ST, with the goal of achieving at least a 33% reduction in pain scores after one month. The treatment involves placing superficial ECG electrodes on the affected dermatomes and administering therapy for 30-40 minutes or until pain relief is achieved. The study seeks to determine if ST can provide significant pain relief, justifying further multi-center trials.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* men and women, ≥50 years of age or older with CBS with an average daily pain rating of \> 4 out of 10, using the following question from the Brief Pain Inventory: "Please rate your pain by circling the one number that best describes your (abdominal) pain/discomfort on average over the past week. (Scale 0-10; 0= No pain, 10= Pain as bad as you can imagine)
* English speakers or English proficiency
* They must have a life expectancy \> 90 days per their treating neurologist.
* The patient must be able to understand the study regimen, its requirements, risks, and discomforts, and is able and willing to sign an informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant women, nursing women, women of childbearing potential or their sexual partners who are unwilling to employ adequate contraception (condoms, diaphragm, birth control pills, injections, intrauterine device, surgical sterilization, subcutaneous implants, abstinence, etc.). Other exclusions include the following:
* Use of an investigational agent for pain control concurrently or within the past 30 days,
* History of an allergic reaction or previous intolerance to transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation;
* Patients with implantable drug delivery systems, e.g. Medtronic Synchromed, baclofen pumps.
* Patients with heart stents or metal implants such as pacemakers, automatic defibrillators, cochlear implants, aneurysm clips, vena cava clips and skull plates. (Metal implants for orthopedic repair, e.g. pins, clips, plates, cages, joint replacements are allowed).
* Medical exclusions include: patients with a history of myocardial infarction or ischemic heart disease within the past six months; patients with history of epilepsy, brain damage, or symptomatic brain metastases; skin conditions such as open sores that would prevent proper application of the electrodes; or other medical or other condition(s) that in the opinion of the investigators might compromise the objectives of the study.

Where it's running

• Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
  Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Alexander Pantelyat, MD — Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
• Study coordinator: Alexander Pantelyat, MD
• Email: apantel1@jhmi.edu
• Phone: 410-502-3290

Similar studies

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

• Imaging biomarkers in corticobasal syndrome

  We will use brain imaging and blood tests to see if inflammation is linked to white-matter damage in people with corticobasal syndrome.

  Recruiting Mayo Clinic · Rochester, Minnesota · NCT07000851

• Genetic program for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and related conditions

  This study is collecting DNA from adults with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and similar conditions to see how genetics might help improve diagnosis and care for patients.

  Recruiting Massachusetts General Hospital · Boston, Massachusetts · NCT06647641

• Wellness program for PSP and CBD: a virtual multimodal lifestyle approach

  This study tests a virtual 8-week program combining chair yoga, voice strengthening, and peer support to see if it improves emotional wellbeing and quality of life for adults with PSP or CBD and whether it eases caregiver burden.

  Recruiting University of British Columbia · Vancouver, British Columbia · NCT07844655

• VMD-3866 topical gel for chemotherapy-induced nerve pain

  This trial will test whether a non-opioid topical gel called VMD-3866 can reduce pain in adults with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

  Recruiting Phase 2 VM Therapeutics LLC · London, UK · NCT07072468

• STELLA-FTD: Telehealth support program for family caregivers of frontotemporal degeneration

  This program will see if eight weekly live video group sessions help family caregivers of people with frontotemporal degeneration manage challenging behaviors and connect with community and peer resources.

  Recruiting Oregon Health and Science University · Portland, Oregon · NCT06613204

• Collecting data on neurodegenerative diseases progression markers

  This study is trying to find new signs that can help doctors understand how neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's progress, so they can improve early treatment options for patients.

  Recruiting IRCCS San Raffaele Roma · Cassino, Frosinone · NCT06596746

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.