Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Treat Neuropathic Pain in Spinal Cord Injury Patients

Effect of Repetative Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy on Neuropathic Pain in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury

This study is testing whether a type of brain stimulation called rTMS can help reduce neuropathic pain in people with spinal cord injuries.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: 20 Years to 70 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Afyonkarahisar)
• Trial ID: NCT05645003 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of high-frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) therapy on neuropathic pain in patients with spinal cord injuries. The therapy targets the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), an area that has been less studied compared to the primary motor cortex. Participants will receive either active rTMS or a sham treatment to assess the efficacy of this non-invasive brain stimulation technique in alleviating pain. The study aims to provide insights into the potential benefits of rTMS as an adjunct to existing pain management strategies for spinal cord injury patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 20-70 with spinal cord injuries and neuropathic pain lasting at least six months.

Not a fit: Patients with severe comorbid conditions, cognitive dysfunction, or contraindications to rTMS will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce neuropathic pain and improve the quality of life for patients with spinal cord injuries.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on rTMS targeting the primary motor cortex have shown promise, the specific application to the DLPFC in this context is less explored, making this approach somewhat novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Between the ages of 20-70, who applied to the AFSU Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation inpatient service with the diagnosis of spinal cord injury and

* Having spinal cord injury with neurophatic pain at least six months ago,
* Able to follow two-stage verbal commands,
* Agreeing to participate in the study voluntarily and regularly,
* Patients who are medically stable (no previous myocardial infarction, no musculoskeletal problems) will be included in our study.

Exclusion Criteria:

Having an important comorbid disease such as severe heart disease (aortic stenosis, angina, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, pacemaker) and uncontrolled hypertension,

* Epilepsy,
* History of antiepileptic drug use,
* Intracranial metal object,
* Presence of in-ear implant,
* Cognitive dysfunction,
* Lower extremity peripheral nerve injury,
* With malignancy and active infection,
* Infection on the skin in the application area,
* Having an open wound,
* Having inflammatory disease,
* Orthopedic injuries that can limit maximum effort contractions,
* Having a brain lesion or a history of drug use that will affect the seizure threshold,
* Patients with increased intracranial pressure or uncontrolled migraine will not be included.

Where this trial is running

Afyonkarahisar

• Afyonkarahisar — Afyonkarahisar, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Nuran EYVAZ, MD — Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University
• Study coordinator: Nuran EYVAZ, MD

Conditions: Spinal Cord Injuries, Neuropathic Pain, Neurological Diseases or Conditions, Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Neurological Rehabilitation