SuspendedNot Applicable

Long-term Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Patients With Phantom Limb Pain (PLP)

Stopped: Signing a contract with the company owning the equipment

Israel24 participantsStarted 2015-05

Plain-language summary

* Phantom limb pain (PLP) refers to pain in a limb that has been amputated or deafferented. Phantom limb pain might be related to brain cortical plastic changes. * The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of a series of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) sessions, a non-invasive and focal brain stimulation method, in producing long-term reduction of phantom limb pain among amputees who experience such pain. This is a Crossover sham control.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 80 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: * Age 18 to 80 * Limb amputation from at least 6 months before study enrollment * Presence of PLP at least 2 times a week and present 4 weeks prior to onset of study * Written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Coexistence of major neurological or psychiatric diseases * Being actively enrolled in a separate study targeting pain relief * Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosed patients * Any contraindication to noninvasive brain stimulation such as past brain surgery, brain implants, cochlear implant, epilepsy or any past seizure * Pregnant women * Within the traumatic amputees group - subjects diagnosed with diabetes

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

Reduced phantom limb pain

Timeframe: 5 months after last stimulation session

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02051959

SponsorSheba Medical Center

Sponsor typeOTHER_GOV

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2017-06

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Phantom Limb Pain trials