rTMS of the prefrontal cortex has analgesic effects on neuropathic pain in subjects with spinal cord injury.
R Nardone, Y Höller, P B Langthaler...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27241450Actively Recruiting
Phase Not Applicable
Age: 20Years - 70Years
All Genders
ID05645003
Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy on Neuropathic Pain in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury
Led by Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University · Updated on 2026-03-09
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying the effect of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on neuropathic pain in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Neuropathic pain is a common and challenging complication after SCI, and this study aims to explore how rTMS, a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, may help relieve this pain by targeting the DLPFC area. The study addresses a gap in research by focusing on this specific brain region and its impact on neuropathic pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive daily high-frequency rTMS at 10 Hz with 1200 pulses applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for 15 sessions, at 110% intensity of the motor threshold. The other group will receive daily sham rTMS sessions with the same schedule. Throughout the treatment period, participants will continue their current medication for neuropathic pain without dose changes. During the study, participants will be assessed at the start, after 15 days, and at 6 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in pain using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and other pain and quality of life questionnaires, including the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms & Signs (LANSS), the Short Form McGill Pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ), and the Short Form 36 (SF-36). Depression and anxiety levels will also be monitored using the Beck Depression and Anxiety Scales. The study monitors safety and the impact of rTMS on neuropathic pain over this period.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy in Neuropathic Painful Spinal Cord Injury Patients
Who Can Participate
Age: 20Years - 70Years
All Genders
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Between 20 and 70 years old
- Diagnosed with spinal cord injury and neuropathic pain lasting at least six months
- Able to follow two-step verbal commands
- Agree to participate voluntarily and regularly
- Medically stable without recent myocardial infarction or musculoskeletal problems
You will not qualify if you...
- Severe heart disease such as aortic stenosis, angina, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, or pacemaker
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Epilepsy or history of antiepileptic drug use
- Intracranial metal objects or in-ear implants
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Lower extremity peripheral nerve injury
- Malignancy or active infection
- Skin infection, open wounds, or inflammatory disease at the treatment site
- Orthopedic injuries limiting effort contractions
- Brain lesions or history of drugs affecting seizure threshold
- Increased intracranial pressure or uncontrolled migraine
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
1
2
3
Your Study Journey
Screening
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Implementation
Duration - 15 days
Participants receive daily transcranial magnetic stimulation to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for 15 sessions while continuing their current medication regimen without dose changes.
Daily visits for 15 days (in-person)
Follow-up
Duration - Up to 6 weeks
Participants are monitored for changes in neuropathic pain and other health outcomes up to 6 weeks after treatment.
1 visit at 15 days and 1 visit at 6 weeks (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Afyonkarahisar
Afyonkarahisar, Turkey (Türkiye), 0300
Actively Recruiting
Loading map...
Research Team
N
Nuran EYVAZ, MD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here
Published Research Related To This Trial
Non-invasive Brain Stimulation for Central Neuropathic Pain.
Qi-Hao Yang, Yong-Hui Zhang, Shu-Hao Du...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35663263Non-invasive Brain Stimulation for Neuropathic Pain After Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.
Lingling Li, Hailiang Huang, Ying Yu...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35221889