Using TMS to treat Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Official title: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Run by Stanford University · NCT03137472 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) can help people with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome feel less pain and improve their symptoms.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Redwood City, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 24, 2017 |
| Main results expected | June 29, 2028 |
| Study ends | June 29, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | June 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03137472 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-70 who have been diagnosed with CRPS for at least three months and meet specific pain level criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications for MRI or TMS, a history of epilepsy, or significant psychological disorders may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in alleviating pain and other symptoms associated with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Participants will be divided into two groups, with one receiving TMS treatment and the other receiving a sham treatment over two consecutive days. The study will monitor participants for two weeks to assess improvements in pain levels and overall symptom relief compared to their baseline measurements. The goal is to determine if TMS can provide significant benefits for individuals suffering from CRPS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could offer a new, non-invasive option for managing pain in patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: While TMS has been explored in various pain conditions, this specific application for CRPS is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-70 * Diagnosis of CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome) for at least 3 months * Average pain level reported on Numerical Rating Scale meets entry criteria * Ability to perform the experimental task and procedures. Exclusion Criteria: * MRI contraindication (metal implants or devices, claustrophobia) * TMS Contraindication (eg metal implant or devices near the site of stimulation) * History of epilepsy * History of a psychological or psychiatric disorder that would interfere with study procedures, at the discretion of the researcher. * Neurologic illness that would interfere with brain integrity * Current medical condition or medication use that would interfere with study procedures or data integrity, at the discretion of the researcher. * Currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant. * On going legal action or disability claim.
Where it's running
-
Stanford Pain Management Center
Redwood City, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Omar Altirkawi
- Email: omar97@stanford.edu
- Phone: (650) 497-0485
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Using prednisone to treat pain after wrist fractures
This study is testing if prednisone can help adults with wrist fractures feel less pain and recover better from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.
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Closed-loop spinal cord stimulation for treating complex regional pain syndrome
This study is testing a new spinal cord stimulation method to see if it can help people with complex regional pain syndrome feel better, comparing those with recent symptoms to those with long-term pain.
-
Understanding how the brain processes chronic pain in children
This study is trying to understand how children's brains handle chronic pain from conditions like migraines and fibromyalgia to see what helps them recover.
-
Using infrared imaging to assess spinal cord stimulation effects in CRPS patients
This study is testing if infrared imaging can help track changes in pain and quality of life for people with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome after they receive spinal cord stimulation.
-
Dance-therapy and Chronic Pain in Adolescents
This study tests whether dance-therapy, along with art-therapy and yoga, can help adolescents with chronic pain feel less pain and anxiety and improve mood.
-
Compression garments for upper-limb pain in complex regional pain syndrome
The trial will see if wearing compression gloves or sleeves can reduce neuropathic pain in people with CRPS of the upper limb.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.