Effectiveness of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in the Management of Complex Regi… (NCT07361692) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Effectiveness of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in the Management of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
France32 participantsStarted 2026-04-01
Plain-language summary
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive therapy increasingly used in facilities treating patients with chronic pain. This complementary therapy has the advantage of being non-pharmacological, with transient and mild side effects, an excellent safety profile, and good efficacy in the contexts where it has been the subject of dedicated research: neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and visceral pain. Few studies have focused on the application of tDCS in the context of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), which is a common condition.
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:
* Major
* Clinically active or active complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) with positive Budapest criteria
* Scintigraphy showing signs consistent with CRPS
* Being affiliated with or a beneficiary of a social security scheme
Exclusion Criteria:
* Algodystrophy no longer meeting the Budapest criteria
* Relative contraindication to tDCS: psychosis (including treated psychosis), uncontrolled epilepsy, large scalp scar, intracerebral/intracranial metallic body
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women
* Minors
* Persons under legal protection (guardianship, conservatorship, and protective supervision)
* Persons deprived of their liberty by judicial or administrative order
* Unwilling individuals who cannot give their consent or cannot return for scheduled visits according to the protocol
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.
1This trial is using a brain stimulation technique called tDCS to try to manage my CRPS pain — is this something my care team thinks could address the specific type of pain I'm experiencing, or would a more established treatment make more sense to try first?
2The trial is measuring pain using the Analog Visual Scale — can you help me understand what a meaningful improvement in that score would actually look like in terms of my day-to-day pain and function?
3Since this trial is listed as 'Phase NA,' which often means it's studying a device or technique rather than a drug — what does that mean for what's already known about the safety of tDCS, and are there any risks I should be aware of before considering it?
4tDCS involves applying electrical stimulation to the scalp during sessions — how many sessions would likely be involved, how long does each one take, and is this something that fits realistically into my schedule and situation?
5Are there other CRPS treatments or trials I should be weighing against this one, and in your opinion, does the current evidence on tDCS for CRPS suggest it's worth exploring for someone with my specific case?
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.