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The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the neuropathic symptoms (pain/itch) due to a burn injury. The investigators hypothesize that the active tDCS group will show a significant pain/itch reduction when compared to sham stimulation.
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| Label | Type | Description | Intervention Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active tDCS | Active Comparator | Subjects will undergo 20 minutes of active tDCS stimulation. |
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| Sham tDCS | Sham Comparator | Subjects will undergo sham tDCS stimulation, where the current is only active for 30 seconds. |
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| Name | Type | Description | Arm Group Labels | Other Names |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) | Device | Subjects will undergo tDCS stimulation. For both active and sham stimulation we will use electrodes at 35cm^2, with an intensity of 2mA. The anodal electrode will be placed over the primary motor cortex, and the cathode will be placed over the contralateral supraorbital area. For active stimulation, the current will be active for the duration of 20 minutes. For sham stimulation, the current will only be active for 30 seconds, simulating the sensations of active stimulation. |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Effect of tDCS on pain/itch perception | Determine whether active tDCS offers a greater benefit on pain reduction in patients with neuropathic symptoms (itch/pain) following burns as compared with sham tDCS. We hypothesize that active tDCS will be associated with a larger pain/itch reduction, as indexed by the Visual Analogue Scale for Pain/Itch (VAS). The subject's VAS score will be measured immediately before the tDCS stimulation sessions and after the tDCS stimulation sessions for the duration of their participation in the trial. | Measured for approximately 2 weeks |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Effect of tDCS on motor cortex excitability | To investigate whether active tDCS induces changes in motor cortex and spinal cord excitability as indexed by single and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as compared with sham tDCS. We will also determine whether these changes are correlated with the clinical outcome (pain/itch reduction). The subject's cortical excitability will be measured immediately before the tDCS stimulation sessions and after the tDCS stimulation sessions for the duration of their participation in the trial. |
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STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
Providing informed consent to participate in the study
18 to 64 years old
Any size closed wound from burn injury, occurring at least 3 weeks prior to enrollment in the study.
- Subjects with burns in scalp area will be excluded from the study as the electrode may cause irritation to the injuries
Use of regular medications for pain and/or itching control at stable doses for at least 3 weeks prior to enrollment in the study
No contraindications to tDCS:
Subject is not pregnant at the time of enrollment
Neuropathic pain or itching (rated at least 4 on the VAS) within the burn scar or donor site, (pain can be described as burning, stabbing, piercing, pins and needles, tearing sensation) for at least 3 weeks.
Please note: If a patient reports pain and itching, we will enroll the patient based upon their most dominant symptom.
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| Name | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Felipe Fregni, MD, PhD, MPH | Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital (SRH) | Principal Investigator |
| Facility | Status | City | State | ZIP | Country | Contacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital | Boston | Massachusetts | 02114 | United States |
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| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D010146 | Pain |
| D002056 | Burns |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D009461 | Neurologic Manifestations |
| D012816 | Signs and Symptoms |
| D013568 | Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms |
| D014947 | Wounds and Injuries |
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| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D065908 | Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D004599 | Electric Stimulation Therapy |
| D013812 | Therapeutics |
| D003295 | Convulsive Therapy |
| D013000 | Psychiatric Somatic Therapies |
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| Measured for approximately 2 weeks. |
| D004191 | Behavioral Disciplines and Activities |
| D004597 | Electroshock |
| D011580 | Psychological Techniques |