Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Pain

(StimMAP Trial)

Overseen By Tor Wager D Principal Investigator, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Trustees of Dartmouth College

Must not be taking: CNS medications

Disqualifiers: Depression, Seizure disorder, Stroke, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

Duration: 3 sessions over 3 weeks

50 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This double-blind randomized crossover study aims to examine the effects of left primary motor cortex (M1) tDCS on evoked thermal pain perception, pain-related decision making, and placebo effects by manipulated pain and monetary offers accepted by others. The investigators plan to collect data for up to 50 participants who undergo four separate sessions: an initial pain calibration session and three experimental sessions with either anodal, cathodal, or sham tDCS. Each session includes pain testing before and after a single tDCS protocol (either anodal, cathodal, or sham), a pain-monetary decision-making task, and social placebo pain tests. All tasks following tDCS will take place inside the MR scanner. The investigators hypothesize that anodal M1 tDCS will decrease pain ratings, and that cathodal tDCS will increase them, both relative to the sham condition. The investigators will also examine the effects of M1 tDCS on social decision-making to examine whether it affects participants' valuation of pain and their altruistic behavior, as well as how these same factors impact pain sensation in the placebo task. The investigators hypothesize that participants will behave hyperaltruistically during the decision-making task, and that the same factors that influence choice will also impact pain perception in the same context.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for up to 50 participants who are interested in how brain stimulation affects pain perception and decision-making. Participants will undergo sessions involving different types of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) while their responses to pain and decisions about money offers are observed.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 18 and 55 years old.

Participants must be capable of performing experimental tasks (e.g., are able to read)

I am a fluent or native English speaker.

Exclusion Criteria

I haven't had a seizure in the last 10 years.

I do not have frequent headaches (15 or more in a month).

I haven't used psychiatric drugs or abused substances in the last 6 months.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 session

1 visit (in-person)

Calibration

Initial pain calibration session to determine individual pain and tolerance levels

1 session

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants undergo three experimental sessions with anodal, cathodal, or sham tDCS, including pain testing and decision-making tasks

3 sessions over 3 weeks

3 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

1 month

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Trial Overview The study tests the effects of three tDCS protocols on the left primary motor cortex: anodal, which may decrease pain; cathodal, which might increase it; and sham as a control. The impact on thermal pain perception, decision-making related to monetary offers, and placebo effects in social contexts will be assessed inside an MR scanner.

Participant Groups

Group I: Within-person Crossover Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

This within-person crossover study involves a single arm, where each participant experiences an initial pain calibration session, followed by three full study sessions involving anodal, cathodal, or sham tDCS interventions. Only one intervention type (anodal, cathodal, or sham) is applied per session, in a randomized and double-blind fashion.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Trustees of Dartmouth College

Lead Sponsor

Trials

32

Recruited

14,500+