Could zapping the brain ease stubborn eye pain?

NCT ID NCT05931250

First seen Jul 13, 2026 · Last updated Jul 14, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tests whether two types of gentle brain stimulation—transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS)—can reduce chronic neuropathic eye pain and related symptoms like brain fatigue, migraine, and light sensitivity. Twenty patients with persistent eye pain will receive fifteen 30-minute sessions over five days. The study uses questionnaires and pupil measurements to track changes in pain and other symptoms.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
transcranial current stimulation (tDCS and tACS)
What this could lead to
If effective, this approach could offer a non-drug option for managing chronic neuropathic eye pain and associated symptoms like fatigue and light sensitivity.
What could go wrong
This is a small pilot study with only 20 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The treatment is experimental and may not provide lasting pain relief.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Eye Clinic, University Hospital in Linköping

    Linköping, Other / Non-US, 58183, Sweden

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