Comparison of the Efficacy of rTMS and tDCS of the Motor Cortex in Patients With Chronic Neuropat… (NCT02030626) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 4
Comparison of the Efficacy of rTMS and tDCS of the Motor Cortex in Patients With Chronic Neuropathic Pain
France35 participantsStarted 2013-01
Plain-language summary
The present study aims to compare directly the efficacy of two noninvasive neurostimulation techniques : repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct electrical current of the motor cortex in patients with chronic lumbar radiculopathy on pain intensity.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 60 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
Patients aged more than 18 years and less than 60 years, males of females Lumbosciatica or lumbocruralgia with predominant neuropathic components with DN4 score ≥ 4/10 Chronic pain with an intensity of at least 4/10 Stable analgesic treatment for at least 15 days before inclusion Able to speak and understand French Social security
Exclusion Criteria:
Work accident or litigation Contraindication to rTMS (sismotherapy in the preceding month, epilepsia, past head trauma, intracranial hypertension, metallic clip, pace maker, pregnancy or lactation Major depressive episode Intermittent pain Consent refusal Impossible to follow up during the duration of the study Pain more severe than neuropathic pain
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Comparison of rTMS and tDCS on average pain intensity