Protocol Assessment of Motor Cortex rTMS for Treating Neuropathic Pain

Launched by INSTITUT POUR LA PRATIQUE ET L'INNOVATION EN PSYCHOLOGIE APPLIQUÉE (INSTITUT PI-PSY) · Apr 30, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of different types of a treatment called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to help relieve chronic neuropathic pain, which is pain caused by nerve damage. The researchers want to compare three different rTMS protocols: one that involves more frequent sessions over a longer period (CHF-rTMS), another with less frequent sessions spread out over time (SHF-rTMS), and a new rapid treatment method (ACC-iTBS) that combines many short sessions together. The goal is to find out which method is most effective in reducing pain for patients.

To participate in this trial, you need to be between 18 and 80 years old and have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy for at least six months, experiencing a certain level of pain. You should also be able to provide consent to participate. If you join, you'll receive one of the rTMS treatments, and the study will monitor how well each protocol works in relieving pain. It's important to note that individuals with certain neurological or psychiatric conditions, or those who have medical devices that could be affected by the rTMS, cannot participate. This trial aims to improve treatment options for those suffering from chronic pain.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • (1) existence of a definite peripheral neuropathy on both clinical and neurophysiological grounds, present for at least 6 months;
• • (2) neuropathic pain clearly related to the neuropathy, as defined by a score ≥ 4/10 on the questionnaire "Douleur Neuropathique en 4 Questions" (DN4) ;
• • (3) a score ≥ 4/10 on a 0-10 numerical rating scale (NRS) concerning the average intensity of daily ongoing pain;
• • (4) age between 18 and 80 years;
• • (5) affiliation with the social security system;
• • (6) ability to provide signed informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • (1) concomitant neurological (neurodegenerative disorders, migraine, epilepsy, stroke, tumor) or psychiatric illness;
• • (2) contraindications related to TMS (intracranial ferromagnetic material);
• • (3) drug-resistant or active epilepsy.