Brain Stimulation for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Overseen By Stevie Foglia, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: McMaster University

Disqualifiers: Chronic CRPS, TMS contraindications, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: Approximately 15 minutes

10 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This research study looks at the feasibility of using a new treatment, noninvasively activating the brain through repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to treat pain symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). This study will help us determine if this technique is feasible (able to recruit participants and if the research activities are feasible and can be used to treat CRPS patients with pain in a larger study. The investigators will also examine how TMS can be personalized to individuals using an individual's brain activity measured using EEG. The investigators will also study whether the effects of TMS are stronger if the TMS is delivered during a specific timing of the EEG activity.

Research Team

Aimee J Nelson, PhD

Principal Investigator

McMaster University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) who are interested in a non-drug treatment. Participants should be willing to undergo brain stimulation and have their brain activity measured. Specific eligibility details are not provided, but typically include age, health status, and CRPS severity.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with CRPS Type 1 in my arm or leg.

I have had CRPS for at least 3 months.

Exclusion Criteria

Prior experience with TMS

I was diagnosed with CRPS over 3 years ago.

I am unable to take part in the study.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

BCI Training

Participants undergo BCI training with 30 trials of the investigator's task

Approximately 45 minutes

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Real-time MRCP tailored rTMS intervention is administered

Approximately 15 minutes

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in pain ratings and neurophysiological markers

Immediately after intervention

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation

Trial Overview The study tests repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a noninvasive procedure that stimulates the brain to reduce pain in CRPS patients. It will explore if rTMS can be personalized using EEG measurements and whether timing with EEG activity enhances its effectiveness.

Participant Groups

Group I: BCI training and testing group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

This group will contain all participants. All participants will receive the same rTMS brain stimulation, a series of 90 triplet pulses at 100 Hz.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

McMaster University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

936

Recruited

2,630,000+

Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Pain Research and Care (IPRC)

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

100+