RecruitingNot Applicable

TMS for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

United States40 participantsStarted 2017-04-24

Plain-language summary

The aim of the current study is to assess the efficacy of TMS in the treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). It is hypothesized that participants who receive TMS (Group 1) relative to sham treatment (Group 2) once daily for two days will demonstrate a greater improvement in CRPS-related pain and other associated symptomology (i.e., cognitive, emotional and physical) compared to baseline. Participants will be followed until they reach their baseline for two consecutive weeks to assess safety and duration of symptom alleviation.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 70 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 18-70 * Diagnosis of CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome) for at least 3 months * Average pain level reported on Numerical Rating Scale meets entry criteria * Ability to perform the experimental task and procedures. Exclusion Criteria: * MRI contraindication (metal implants or devices, claustrophobia) * TMS Contraindication (eg metal implant or devices near the site of stimulation) * History of epilepsy * History of a psychological or psychiatric disorder that would interfere with study procedures, at the discretion of the researcher. * Neurologic illness that would interfere with brain integrity * Current medical condition or medication use that would interfere with study procedures or data integrity, at the discretion of the researcher. * Currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant. * On going legal action or disability claim.

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

Change in Pain

Timeframe: 1 week follow-up compared to baseline

Duration of Pain Relief

Timeframe: Duration from last treatment until pain returns - up to an estimate of 6 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03137472

SponsorStanford University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2028-06-29

Contact for this trial

Omar Altirkawi

(650) 497-0485 omar97@stanford.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Complex Regional Pain Syndromes trials