Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable

Central Sensitisation in Nociceptive and Neuropathic Pain

Italy185 participantsStarted 2025-12-15

Plain-language summary

This study aims to investigate differences in central sensitization among patients with chronic nociceptive pain, neuropathic pain, and mixed pain conditions. Chronic pain is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon involving sensory, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral components, often sustained by mechanisms of central sensitization that contribute to pain persistence and treatment resistance. Using a multidimensional assessment approach, the study integrates self-report questionnaires, neuropsychological evaluation, psychological measures, treatment adherence assessment, and neurophysiological investigation through laser-evoked potentials (LEP). Participants will be evaluated at baseline and after 12 months to explore differences between pain types and longitudinal changes in central sensitization, cognitive functioning, emotional status, and engagement with treatment. The findings are expected to improve the understanding of neurobiological and psychosocial mechanisms underlying different chronic pain phenotypes and to support more personalized and effective pain management strategies.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 90 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 between 18 and 90 years * Presence of chronic pain * Diagnosis of nociceptive pain, neuropathic pain, mixed pain, or nociplastic pain * Patients referring to the pain outpatient clinic * Patients hospitalized in pain therapy units * Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of severe psychiatric disorders * Presence of severe neurological disorders * Presence of oncological diseases in terminal stage

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

neuropsychological assessment

Timeframe: 24 months

Neuropsychological assessment

Timeframe: 24 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07321080

SponsorIRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2027-12-15

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Chronic Pain trials