Could zapping the brain ease stubborn nerve pain?

NCT ID NCT07057206

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Minnesota Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026 · Updated 4 times

Summary

This early study tests a brain stimulation device for people with long-term nerve pain that hasn't responded to other treatments. The device is surgically placed to send mild electrical pulses to specific brain areas. The main goal is to see if the procedure is feasible and acceptable, and whether it can reduce pain compared to a sham (inactive) stimulation.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: brain stimulation device (Abbott Eterna IPG and Lamitrode 44 paddles)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new way to treat hard-to-manage nerve pain without long-term medication.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small trial with only 20 people. It is testing feasibility first, so it may not show clear pain relief, and brain surgery carries risks like infection or bleeding.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

neuralgia Neuralgia, Postherpetic Pain, Postoperative postherpetic neuralgia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

NEUROPATHIC PAIN POSTHERPETIC NEURALGIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States

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