Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Neuropathic Symptoms Due to Burn Injury

Mass General Brigham

Status: Completed

Conditions: Pain; Burn Injury

Treatments: Device: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT01404026

2010-p-001209

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Enrollment: 3 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 64 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

1. Providing informed consent to participate in the study

2. 18 to 64 years old

3. 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

4. Use of regular medications for pain and/or itching control at stable doses for at least 3 weeks prior to enrollment in the study

5. No contraindications to tDCS:

   • metallic implants in the head
   • implanted brain medical devices

6. Subject is not pregnant at the time of enrollment

7. 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.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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3 participants in 2 patient groups

Active tDCS

Active Comparator group

Description:

Subjects will undergo 20 minutes of active tDCS stimulation.

Treatment:

Device: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)

Sham tDCS

Sham Comparator group

Description:

Subjects will undergo sham tDCS stimulation, where the current is only active for 30 seconds.

Treatment:

Device: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)