Actively Recruiting
Supraspinal Processing of Sensory Aspects of Pain in Pediatric Chronic Pain Syndromes
Led by Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati · Updated on 2026-06-05
255
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
C
Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati
Lead Sponsor
U
University of Barcelona
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to understand the brain mechanisms behind chronic pain in children and teenagers aged 10 to 17. It focuses on four types of chronic pain: migraine, complex regional pain syndrome, functional abdominal pain, and musculoskeletal pain. The study seeks to find shared and unique brain systems involved in these conditions, identify predictors of recovery, and explore how pain spreads over time. Participants will undergo brain imaging using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), quantitative sensory testing, and psychological assessments. The study includes five groups: healthy controls without chronic pain and four groups with different chronic pain syndromes. Researchers will follow participants for one year after treatment begins to observe recovery and pain changes. Throughout the study, participants will complete various brain scans and sensory tests at the start and at one-year follow-up. Pain ratings and the spatial distribution of pain will be recorded at both times. This approach helps researchers measure brain activity related to pain and track changes over time. The total participation lasts one year, with assessments designed to better understand pediatric chronic pain and support future treatments.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Supraspinal Processing of Sensory Aspects of Pain
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Patients diagnosed with chronic pain meeting ICD-11 criteria related to headache (migraine, daily headache), abdominal pain (FAPD), localized or widespread musculoskeletal pain, or complex regional pain syndrome
- Stable doses of prescribed pain and/or psychiatric medications for at least 4 weeks before baseline visit if on medications
- Male or female aged 10 to 17 years inclusive
- English speaking and able to complete interviews and questionnaires in English
You will not qualify if you...
- Weight or size incompatible with MRI scanner
- Presence of orthodontic braces, metallic or electronic implants, or other metal objects that interfere with MRI or pose safety risks
- Claustrophobia
- Pregnancy in youth
- Comorbid rheumatic diseases, epilepsy, other neurological diseases, or medical conditions like diabetes, cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease
- Current psychiatric diseases defined by DSM IV (psychosis, bipolar disorder, major depression, generalized anxiety disorder), alcohol or drug dependence, or developmental delays or impairments that interfere with study adherence
- Skin conditions or past skin damage on arms or legs near sensory testing sites
- Age outside 10 to 17 years at consent
- History of opioid treatment longer than 1 month
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 - 1 day
Participants undergo brain imaging and sensory testing to assess brain systems engaged during chronic pain and to collect baseline measures.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 year
Participants are followed for 1 year after treatment initiation to assess recovery and spread of pain.
Follow-up visits as scheduled during the year
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Cincinnati Children's Hospital
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, 45229
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Catherine Jackson, MSc
H
Hannah Schildmeyer, BS
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
5
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