Modulating Neuropathic Pain With Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Modulating Neuropathic Pain With Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

This study will examine whether a form of non-invasive brain stimulation can help reduce pain in people with persistent neuropathic pain.

This study will look at the effects of a painless, non-invasive form of brain stimulation, called transcranial direct current stimulation, or tDCS. tDCS is thought to increase the brain's ability to change. Participants will be assigned to one of three groups by chance. Two groups will receive tDCS at a level expected to increase the brain's ability to change, while the other group will receive tDCS at a level not thought to affect the brain's ability to change.

Inclusion Criteria:

• At least 18 years of age
• Have chronic (>12 months) neuropathic pain, including but not limited to complex regional pain syndrome, phantom limb pain, or pain of neurogenic origin following spinal cord injury

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of seizures or epilepsy
• Addition or change in the dosage of drugs now to interfere with pain within 1 month of enrollment
• Untreated depression
• History of head injury with loss of consciousness, severe alcohol or drug abuse, or psychiatric illness
• Positive pregnancy test or being of childbearing age and not using appropriate contraception
• Presence of ferromagnetic material in the cranium except in the mouth, including metal fragments from occupational exposure, and surgical clips in or near the brain