Operant Conditioning of Sensory Brain Responses to Reduce Phantom Limb Pain in People With Limb Amputation

Launched by VA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT · May 18, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new way to help people who experience phantom limb pain (PLP) after losing a limb. Phantom limb pain is a common and often very painful condition affecting 60-90% of those with limb amputations, and it can last for years, impacting daily life and well-being. The study aims to train participants to change how their brains respond to sensory signals, which may help reduce this pain. Participants will receive real-time feedback about their brain activity during exercises designed to promote more normal brain responses, potentially leading to relief from their pain.

To join the study, participants need to be at least 18 years old and have experienced moderate to severe phantom limb pain for more than six months after their amputation. They should also be medically cleared to participate and able to follow study instructions. Unfortunately, individuals with certain medical conditions or cognitive difficulties may not be eligible. If you or someone you know is interested, the study is currently recruiting, and participants can expect to learn more about their brain activity while working towards reducing their phantom limb pain.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • An upper (or lower limb) amputation more than 6 months ago, that has produced a moderate to severe hand/arm (or foot/leg) phantom limb pain,
• • Male or female age 18 years or older,
• • Medical clearance to participate,
• • Reasonable expectation that ongoing medications, if any, will be maintained without change for at least 4 months from the start of the study,
• • Able to provide informed consent and to understand the study instructions,
• • Able to participate in the specific study procedures.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Presence of other medically unstable and/or infectious condition (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes with recent weight loss, diabetic coma, frequent insulin reactions),
• • A cardiac condition (e.g., history of myocardial infarction or congestive heart failure),
• • Cognitive and/or attention difficulties affecting participant's ability to follow study directions,
• • Known skin disorders or damaged skin at the anticipated at the scalp for EEG recording (e.g., unhealed wounds, broken skin).
• • Metal implants above the chest