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Efficacy of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in Central Post Stroke Pain ( CPSP)

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Central Post Stroke Pain
Interventions
Device: SHAM rTMS with SHAM block
Device: navigated rTMS of motor cortex
Device: navigated rTMS of somatosensory cortex 2
Registration Number
NCT02277912
Lead Sponsor
Helsinki University Central Hospital
Brief Summary

The aim of the study is to evaluate the analgesic effects of navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in central post stroke pain. MRI based navigation is used to determine the exact locations for stimulation.

Detailed Description

Central post stroke pain is often very resistant to treatment. TMS has been shown to be a promising tool in treating difficult pain conditions. The best sites for stimulation are still not known and navigation has been used only in few studies.

The aim is to evaluate the analgesic effects of Navigated Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ( nrTMS ) on pain in a three armed crossover study. The navigation is done by using magnetic resonance imaging and stereotactic camera system. The three arms include stimulation to M1, S2 and sham stimulation to M1. 10 Hz repetitive stimulation is given to a specified location once a day 5 days a week for two weeks in each of the three arms. A months washout period is kept between each arm of the study.

Pain and other variables are followed before, during and after the study for 6 months.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
21
Inclusion Criteria
  • MRI defined brain infarction or hemorrhage before or at the age of 65 years
  • CPSP diagnostic criteria is met (definite), verified by a neurologist
  • Stable analgesic medication
  • Average pain NRS 4 or more
Exclusion Criteria
  • Epilepsy
  • Difficult aphasia
  • Dementia
  • Contraindication for TMS or MRI
  • Alcohol and/or drug abuse

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
CROSSOVER
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Sham StimulationSHAM rTMS with SHAM blockIntervention: Repetitive sham Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with SHAM block of the motor cortex
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Inavigated rTMS of motor cortexIntervention: Repetitive navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of the motor cortex
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation IInavigated rTMS of somatosensory cortex 2Intervention: Repetitive navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of the secondary somatosensory cortex
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in average pain compared to baseline1 month after each arm of the study

Patients will keep a pain diary for one week before stimulation and for two weeks after the stimulation. A nurse will call the patient one month after the last stimulation.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Quality of life (EQ-5D)One week after each arm of the study and 6 months after the last one

Questionnaire EQ-5D

DepressionOne week after each arm of the study and 6 months after the last stimulation

Questionnaire

Change in average pain compared to baseline2,3,4,5 and 6 months after the last stimulation

Phone call ( Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) in rest and movement )

Magnetoencephalography (MEG)One week before and after each arms stimulations

Changes in the irritability of the motor cortex and somatosensory cortex

Number of patients with adverse effectsFrom the start to the end of the study, on average 12 months per patient.

Adverse effects are followed actively

Hands´ motor function and dexterityOne week before and after each arm of the study

Nine hole peg, Pinch and Jamar

Cold water testOne week before and after each arm of the study

Conditioned pain modulation (CPM)

GeneticsNo time frame, just a blood sample

Evaluation of genetical properties in terms of TMS related pain reduction

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