MultiSENSory Stimulation to TArgeT Sensory Loss and ChronIc Pain in NeurOpathic PatieNts

Launched by ETH ZURICH · Jul 29, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new approach to help people with neuropathy, a condition that causes damage to the nerves and can lead to chronic pain and loss of sensation, especially in the feet. The goal is to use a special insole with pressure sensors that can provide real-time feedback about how someone is walking, combined with Virtual Reality (VR) technology. This system aims to help reduce pain and improve the brain's response to sensory information, potentially leading to better balance and mobility for participants.

To be eligible for the trial, participants must be between 18 and 80 years old, have good vision, and be diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy that causes pain in their lower limbs. There are some exclusions, such as pregnancy or certain medical conditions like epilepsy or unhealed wounds. Participants can expect to engage with the sensory feedback system and undergo brain scans to see how it affects their pain and brain function. This innovative approach seeks to offer hope for improved treatment options for those suffering from neuropathic pain.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• for healthy:
• * Inclusion:
• • Age 18-80
• • Visual acuity\>6 on Snellen visual acuity chart
• * Exclusion:
• • Pregnancy
• • Cognitive deficits (Mini Mental State Examination\<23)
• • Cyber-sickness
• • Prior or current psychological diseases
• • Pacemakers
• • Epilepsy
• • Claustrophobia
• • Other MRI contraindications
• • Unhealed fractures
• • Unhealed wounds
• • Cancerous growth in proximity to feet
• • Swollen, infected or inflamed areas on feet or skin eruptions on feet such as phlebitis, thrombophlebitis or varicose veins
• for patients:
• * Inclusion:
• • Age 18-80
• • Visual acuity\>6 on Snellen visual acuity chart
• • Diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy
• • Pain in lower limbs\>=3 cm on VAS scale
• * Exclusion:
• • Pregnancy
• • Relevant comorbidities that would affect the outcomes of the study (by judgement of physicians)
• • Ulcers
• • Cognitive deficits (Mini Mental State Examination\<23)
• • Cyber-sickness
• • Prior or current psychological diseases
• • Pacemakers
• • Epilepsy
• • Claustrophobia
• • Other MRI contraindications
• • Unhealed fractures
• • Unhealed wounds
• • Cancerous growth in proximity to feet