Actively Recruiting
Efficacy of Transcutaneous Pulsed Radiofrequency in Postherpetic Neuralgia
Led by Prof. Dr. Cemil Tascıoglu Education and Research Hospital Organization · Updated on 2026-02-05
35
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
9 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic pain condition that can persist long after a shingles rash has healed, causing physical, social, and psychological challenges. PHN results from the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus in nerve cells and affects a growing number of patients as they age. This study aims to evaluate the pain-relieving effects of Transcutaneous Pulsed Radiofrequency (TCPRF), a non-invasive treatment, in adults with PHN who have not responded well to standard therapies. The study involves applying TCPRF treatment to the painful skin area affected by PHN. This procedure uses adhesive electrodes placed on the skin to deliver radiofrequency pulses without any incisions. The treatment will be given in three sessions spaced one week apart. Each session lasts 8 minutes and uses specific electrical settings to target the affected nerves. TCPRF is part of routine clinical care at the participating hospital and is not combined with any additional invasive interventions for research purposes. Participants will be adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with PHN who agree to join the study. Researchers will monitor pain levels using the Visual Analog Scale before treatment and at 1 and 3 months afterward. They will also assess different aspects of pain using questionnaires, track any side effects, and measure quality of life changes. Standard safety monitoring will be in place during the procedure. The overall study duration for each participant is about six months, including follow-up visits to evaluate pain relief and well-being.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Efficacy of Transcutaneous Pulsed Radiofrequency in Postherpetic Neuralgia
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 years or older
- Diagnosis of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)
- No invasive or noninvasive PHN treatments (like capsaicin or lidocaine patches) in the past 3 months
- Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Presence of a cardiac pacemaker
- Known allergy to transcutaneous electrode pads
- Active skin infection at the treatment site
- Metallic implant in the treatment area
- Circulatory disorders or skin lesions at the treatment site
- Inability to maintain proper positioning during treatment
- Inability to communicate effectively
- Presence of psychosis or progressive neurological deficits
- Pregnancy
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 3 weeks
Participants receive Transcutaneous Pulsed Radiofrequency (TCPRF) treatment applied to the painful area in three procedures spaced one week apart.
3 treatment visits (in-person), one per week
Duration - Up to 3 months
Participants attend outpatient visits to evaluate pain scores and quality of life following the TCPRF treatment.
Follow-up visits at 1 and 3 months after treatment
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Istanbul Prof. Dr. Cemil Taşcioğlu City Hospital
Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye), 34000
Actively Recruiting
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
0
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