Modulating Neuropathic Pain With Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Susan McDowell18 enrolled

Overview

This study will examine whether a form of non-invasive brain stimulation can help reduce pain in people with persistent neuropathic pain.

This study will look at the effects of a painless, non-invasive form of brain stimulation, called transcranial direct current stimulation, or tDCS. tDCS is thought to increase the brain's ability to change. Participants will be assigned to one of three groups by chance. Two groups will receive tDCS at a level expected to increase the brain's ability to change, while the other group will receive tDCS at a level not thought to affect the brain's ability to change.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Pain, Neuropathic Complex Regional Pain Syndromes Phantom Limb Pain Spinal Cord Injuries

Interventions

transcranial direct current stimulationDEVICE

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * At least 18 years of age * Have chronic (\>12 months) neuropathic pain, including but not limited to complex regional pain syndrome, phantom limb pain, or pain of neurogenic origin following spinal cord injury Exclusion Criteria: * History of seizures or epilepsy * Addition or change in the dosage of drugs now to interfere with pain within 1 month of enrollment * Untreated depression * History of head injury with loss of consciousness, severe alcohol or drug abuse, or psychiatric illness * Positive pregnancy test or being of childbearing age and not using appropriate contraception * Presence of ferromagnetic material in the cranium except in the mouth, including metal fragments from occupational exposure, and surgical clips in or near the brain

Locations (1)

University of Kentucky at Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital

Lexington, Kentucky, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in McGill Pain Questionnaire from baseline 1 and 2 average

This self-reported assessment measures intensity and quality of pain. Scores can range from 0 to 45. A decrease in score indicates an improvement in pain.

Time frame: Baseline 1: 1 week before starting intervention, Baseline 2: immediately before starting intervention, Intervention mid-point: after 5 days intervention, Post-intervention: after 10 days intervention, Follow up: 1 month after completing intervention

Secondary Outcomes

Change in Short-Form 36 Health Survey from baseline 1 and 2 average

This self-reported assessment provides information regarding an individual's perception of their health and quality of life. Scores range from 0 to 100. An increase in score indicates an improvement in perceived health and quality of life.

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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