Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Investigating Modulation of Neuropathic Pain by Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: a Multimodal Imaging and Electrophysiological Approach

52 participantsStarted 2026-09

Plain-language summary

The proposed project will combine functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) to identify neurobiological mechanisms underlying how repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied to the primary motor cortex modulates maladaptive neuroplasticity following neuropathic pain.

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

. Nerve conduction study: reduced compound muscle action potential (CMAP) or sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) (peroneal nerve: CMAP \< 2 mV, tibial nerve: CMAP \< 6.1 mV, and sural nerve: SNAP \< 5 microV), or prolonged distal motor latencies (\> 5.5 ms), or slowing of motor or sensory nerve conduction velocities (\< 40 m/s), or prolonged minimal F latencies (\> 50 ms) in two or more nerves in the lower limbs.
. Autonomic function test:
. Quantitative sensory test: abnormal warm or cold threshold at the foot (warm/cold thresholds: \> 38.6 °C /\< 27.5 °C for age \< 40 years, \> 40.1 °C/\< 26.7 °C for age 40 \~ 59 years, and \> 40.6 °C/\< 27.0 °C for age not less than 60 years).
. Skin biopsy: reduced intraepidermal nerve fiber density at the distal leg (\< 5.88 fibers/mm for age \< 60 years, and \< 2.50 fibers/mm for age not less than 60 years).

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 neuropathic pain intensity from the baseline

Timeframe: 2 weeks after the rTMS interventions

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07758348

SponsorNational Taiwan University Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2030-07

Contact for this trial

Chi-Chao Chao, MD. PhD

+886-2312-3456 b1401019@ms17.hinet.net

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Patients With Neuropathic Pain Due to Peripheral Neuropathy trials