Accelerated TMS for Pain Inhibition
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Brain connectivity guided, optimised theta burst transcranial magnetic stimulation to improve central pain modulation in knee osteoarthritis pain
IRAS ID
298509
Contact name
Dorothee Auer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN15404076
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
na, na
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 24 days
Research summary
There is more and more evidence that effective treatments need to also focus on any disturbed communication between brain areas that are fundamental to the perception of pain. Logically, if abnormal brain connectivity patterns are reversed, this should help to alleviate chronic pain. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) offers the possibility to do so non-invasively, safely and practically no side-effects and has already been approved by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) for treatment-resistant depression. Many studies recently have testified promising results for pain relief with this method. Our group at the University of Nottingham has identified a few factors that likely elevate this approach’s success rate. This is what we would like verify in the current study.
The study involves completing questionnaires, undergoing an MRI scan of the brain, undergoing TMS treatment, and doing some sensory testing.
As the study aims to assess the benefits of a TMS stimulation protocol aiming for longer term effects, the core study schedule is fairly intense over two weeks. Participants will be asked to come to a first visit (ca.2h), then undergo 4 treatment days with session length of ca 6 hours each but with long breaks with refreshments in a comfortable waiting area. The 6th as final study visit is ca. 2h. Participants may be asked to complete pain and wellbeing questions up to 16 weeks after the last visit.REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/SW/0079
Date of REC Opinion
15 Jul 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion