CRPS - Diagnostics, Pathophysiological Mechanisms, and Response to Treatment With Noninvasive Brain Stimulation

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

62 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2017-08-28

Study Completion Date

2022-08-25

Brief Summary

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This is a sham controlled, randomized, double-blind, navigated repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (nrTMS) study for the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS types 1 and 2). The investigators study factors that may contribute to development, maintenance, or treatment responses with clinical, sleep, and psychiatric questionnaires and clinical examinations, quantitative sensory testing and neurophysiologic recordings, genetics, and MRI techniques.

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Detailed Description

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rTMS hypothetically disrupts the default networks related to chronic pain and renders the brain more susceptible to drugs, rehabilitation, or cognitive behavioral therapy. In addition, there is experimental evidence that rTMS releases factors that are involved in endogenous top-down modulation of pain and neural plasticity. Thus, the analgesic effect of rTMS may be mediated via enforcing endogenous pain control systems at the brain level, in addition to its effects on neuroplastic effects.

For active, navigated stimulation targets the investigators have the parietal opercular cortex overlying the secondary somatosensory cortex ("S2") and the primary motor cortex (M1).

The investigators randomize participants to first receive nrTMS to the right "S2" or sham stimulation. After ten sessions the investigators follow up the participants up to three months. At three months, if the average pain is ≥5/10 in numeric rating scale (NRS), the participant is offered an active, open nrTMS treatment phase depending on which treatment the participant first received. If the participant benefits from the open label treatment, a maintenance therapy is offered (6 months with gradually reducing nrTMS treatment frequency). The symptoms and quality of life are followed with questionnaires and diaries. After the maintenance period, the RN calls a structured interview at 1, 3, and 6 months.

Conditions

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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Complex Regional Pain Syndrome of Upper Limb (Disorder)

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

The patients are first randomized to receive either sham stimulation or right "S2" for three week period (10 stimulation sessions). Thereafter, a 3 month followup period (clinical checkup at a research visit at 1 month, RN structured telephone interviews at 2 and 3 months). If pain ≥5/10 at 3 month interview, the patient is offered an open label nrTMS treatment phase, in which the protocol depends on the first protocol of the RCT phase.

Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

TRIPLE

Participants Investigators Outcome Assessors

The participant does not know whether the stimulation is sham or active. The doctor or nurse giving the stimulation knows the target and whether the stimulation is sham or active. The RN and the clinician (conducting screening and 1 month clinical visit) do not know the stimulation type or target until month 3, when the code is opened.

Study Groups

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Starts with active stimulation

Active nrTMS is given to "S2" at the right side (10 sessions in a three week period). Thereafter, a new, open label phase will start if the average pain at 3 month follow-up is ≥5/10. Then, the nrTMS will be targeted to M1 contralateral to the side of pain. After 5 stimulation sessions the response is evaluated. If pain is still ≥510, the investigators change the target to the "S2" on the left side for five sessions. If there is response with pain relief, a maintenance therapy with this target is offered for 6 months with gradually reducing stimulation sessions.

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Active nrTMS and open phase

Intervention Type DEVICE

Navigated repetitive TMS treatment (10 sessions during a three-week period) randomized to "S2". In the following open phase stimulation the treatment targets are contralateral M1 and left "S2". If the patient benefited from active "S2" stimulation, but the treatment effect faded in follow-up, the open phase stimulation starts with right "S2".

Starts with sham stimulation

Sham nrTMS will be targeted to the "S2" on the right side, but using a sham box/coil. Stimulation period is similar than for the active comparator. Similarly, thereafter, a new, open label phase will start if the average pain at 3 month follow-up is ≥5/10. Then, the nrTMS will be targeted to "S2" at the right side. After 5 stimulation sessions the response is evaluated. If pain is still ≥5/10, the investigators change the target to M1 on the contralateral side of the pain and furthermore to "S2" at the left side after 5 stimulation sessions, if pain is still ≥5/10.

Group Type PLACEBO_COMPARATOR

Sham nrTMS and open phase

Intervention Type DEVICE

Navigated repetitive TMS treatment (10 sessions during a three-week period) randomized to sham. In the following open phase stimulation the treatment targets are the right "S2"-contralateral M1-left "S2".

Interventions

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Sham nrTMS and open phase

Navigated repetitive TMS treatment (10 sessions during a three-week period) randomized to sham. In the following open phase stimulation the treatment targets are the right "S2"-contralateral M1-left "S2".

Intervention Type DEVICE

Active nrTMS and open phase

Navigated repetitive TMS treatment (10 sessions during a three-week period) randomized to "S2". In the following open phase stimulation the treatment targets are contralateral M1 and left "S2". If the patient benefited from active "S2" stimulation, but the treatment effect faded in follow-up, the open phase stimulation starts with right "S2".

Intervention Type DEVICE

Other Intervention Names

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Starts with sham stimulation Starts with active stimulation

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* CRPS 1 or 2 of the upper limb
* Duration ≥ 6 months
* Mean pain (NRS) intensity ≥5/10
* Medical and other therapies have failed

Exclusion Criteria

* Other stimulation therapies apart from transcutaneous nerve stimulation
* psychotic disorder
* severe depression
* use of strong opioids
* epilepsy
* any contraindication for MRI
* abuse of alcohol or drugs
* ongoing insurance or other entitlement cases

Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No