Accelerated Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Relieve Pain in Peripheral Neuropathy

What this Trial Is About

Peripheral neuropathy is a common condition often accompanied by pain that can be difficult to treat with medication. Researchers are evaluating accelerated repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation rTMS, a noninvasive brain stimulation method, to see if it can reduce neuropathic pain more quickly. This study aims to test the feasibility of delivering rTMS multiple times a day instead of once daily, which may shorten the overall treatment time. The study compares two groups one receiving active high-frequency rTMS over the primary motor area and another receiving sham stimulation designed to mimic the active treatment without significant brain stimulation. The active treatment involves six sessions over two consecutive days, with each session delivering 1500 magnetic pulses at 90% of the resting motor threshold. Sham treatment uses a coil held perpendicularly to the scalp to create a similar sensation without actual magnetic stimulation. Participants will undergo pain assessments using the Visual Analogue Scale before treatment, shortly after, and during follow-ups up to one year. Additional measures include numeric pain scales, neuropathic pain symptom inventories, insomnia scales, and muscle strength tests at various time points up to four weeks after treatment. The study uses randomized assignment and triple blinding to compare treatment effects safely and accurately. Participant involvement includes therapy sessions and multiple evaluations to monitor pain, symptoms, and safety throughout the study period.

Analgesic Effect of Accelerated Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Neuropathic Pain