Clinical Trial: Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Visual Illusion on Chronic Pain Due to Spinal Cord Injury

Study Status: Terminated
Recruit Status: Terminated
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Investigation of the Mechanisms of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of Motor Cortex Coupled With Visual Illusion for the Treatment of Chronic Pain in Spinal Cord In

Brief Summary: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) combined with watching a visual illusion on chronic pain due to spinal cord injury. The investigators hypothesize that active tDCS will reduce pain in subjects with spinal cord injury when compared to sham stimulation. The investigators will also measure changes in EEG data (alpha and beta frequencies) as well as motor cortex excitability.

Detailed Summary:
Sponsor: Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital

Current Primary Outcome: Changes in EEG (alpha and beta activity) [ Time Frame: Measured for approximately 6 weeks ]

Determine whether treatment with tDCS coupled with visual illusion change cortical activity as assessed with electroencephalography (EEG). We hypothesize that tDCS plus visual illusion increase in alpha activity and inhibit beta activity and this will be associated with pain reduction in patients with moderate to severe below-level spinal cord injury (SCI) pain. EEG measurements will take place throughout the subject's participation in the study, measured at: baseline, immediately pre- and post- stimulation and at follow-up visits for a total of approximately 6 weeks.


Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome: Changes in cortical excitability [ Time Frame: Measured for approximately 6 weeks ]

To investigate whether active tDCS combined with visual illusion induces changes in motor cortex and as indexed by single and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as compared with sham tDCS coupled with visual illusion. We will also determine whether these changes are correlated with the clinical outcome (pain reduction). TMS measurements will take place throughout the subject's participation in the study, measured at: baseline, immediately pre- and post- stimulation and at follow-up visits for a total of approximately 6 weeks.


Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital

Dates:
Date Received: June 29, 2011
Date Started: December 2010
Date Completion:
Last Updated: March 17, 2017
Last Verified: March 2017