Transcranial Electrical Stimulation in Multiple Sclerosis
Belgium100 participantsStarted 2025-06-01
Plain-language summary
First the investigators will examine if the blood flow in the brain is different in patients with Multiple Sclerosis compared to healthy volunteers.
HOW?
\- The blood flow of the subjects is imaged by use of a special MRI-technique.
Secondly, the investigators will examine if the blood flow can determine disease progression.
HOW? - Multiple Sclerosis patients are asked for a follow-up visit after two years.
The main goal is to understand the effect of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on the cerebral blood flow.
* Does tDCS result in a different blood flow, in which brain regions?
* Is there a difference between healthy volunteers and Multiple Sclerosis patients?
HOW?
\- Participants get two session of tDCS. Before, during and after stimulation MRI scans are performed.
Who can participate
Age range
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.
Inclusion criteria - MS patient
* EDSS ≥ 2 and EDSS ≤ 6.5
* Age ≥ 18
Exclusion criteria - MS patient
* EDSS \> 6.5
* Incompatibility with MRI
* Relapse within three months before the study and its use of corticosteroids
* Disabling concomitant neuropsychiatric diseases
* Chance of pregnancy, breastfeeding
* Contraindications to tDCS
Inclusion criteria - Healthy Volunteer
• Age ≥ 18
Exclusion criteria - Healthy Volunteer
* Incompatibility with MRI
* Disabling concomitant neuropsychiatric diseases
* Chance of pregnancy, breastfeeding
* Contraindications to tDCS
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
Cerebral blood flow (CBF)
Timeframe: Visit 1 (baseline), visit 2 (+-1 week after visit 1), visit 3 (2 years after visit 1)