tACS for Neuropathic Pain After SCI
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The overall goal is to investigate the effectiveness of a novel intervention - transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) for neuropathic pain management in people after spinal cord injury.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
No, you can continue taking your current pain medications as long as they have been stable for at least two weeks before joining the trial.
Is tACS safe for humans?
The research articles provided do not contain specific safety data for tACS (transcranial alternating current stimulation) in humans. However, they discuss tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation), a similar non-invasive brain stimulation technique, which is considered to have a lower risk of complications compared to invasive methods.12345
How does tACS treatment for neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury differ from other treatments?
tACS (transcranial alternating current stimulation) is unique because it uses electrical currents applied to the scalp to modulate brain activity, which is different from traditional drug treatments. This non-invasive approach aims to relieve pain by targeting the brain's motor cortex, offering a potential alternative for those who do not respond well to medications.12567
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment tACS for neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury?
While there is no direct evidence for tACS, similar treatments like transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have shown mixed results in reducing neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury. Some studies suggest tDCS can be promising, especially with repeated sessions, but others found it ineffective, particularly in patients with long-standing injuries.12568
Who Is on the Research Team?
Sheng Li, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals aged 18-75 who have neuropathic pain following a traumatic spinal cord injury, amputation, or brain injury and have been stable on oral pain medications for at least two weeks. It's not suitable for those with pacemakers, metal implants, unstable medical conditions, non-neuropathic pain like inflammation from surgery wounds, arm amputations, psychiatric disorders currently adjusting their pain meds or with substance abuse issues.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) for neuropathic pain management, including sham, 10Hz, and 20Hz interventions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- tACS 10Hz
- tACS 20Hz
- tACS Sham
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Lead Sponsor