RecruitingNot Applicable

Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Field Stimulation (PENFS) in Patients With Post Concussion Syndrome (PCS)

United States125 participantsStarted 2021-02-01

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to test the effect of Auricular Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Field Stimulation (a Neurostim device) on children with pain and Post Concussion symptoms. An additional purpose of this study is to demonstrate that PENFS improves functioning in children with post Covid-19 symptoms.

Who can participate

Age range

11 Years – 18 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.

Concussion: Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical diagnosis of Post-Concussion Syndrome * Post-Concussion Symptoms for at least 3 months along with lack of other explanation for their symptoms * English and Spanish-speaking families Exclusion Criteria: * Seizure disorders * Significant developmental delay * Infection or severe dermatological condition of ear * Bleeding disorders * Implanted electrical device COVID: Inclusion Criteria * Child is in between the ages 11-18 * Child is present at CHOC Neurology clinic post covid-19 symptoms of more than 3 months duration along with lack of other explanation for their symptoms * English-speaking and Spanish-speaking families You cannot participate in this study if you meet the following exclusion criteria: * Children with significant developmental delay, infection or severe dermatological condition of ear, bleeding disorders, or having any implanted electrical device will be excluded. * Are not able to attend Friday appointments for the Neurostim placements.

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

Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment

Timeframe: 8 weeks

Post-Concussion Symptom Scale

Timeframe: 8 weeks

Balance Error Scoring Symptom

Timeframe: 8 weeks

COGNIGRAM

Timeframe: 10 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04978571

SponsorChildren's Hospital of Orange County

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-12

Contact for this trial

Pari Mokhtari

714-509-8765 pari.mokhtari@choc.org

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Post-Concussion Syndrome trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

11 Years – 18 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.