Zapping the brain or spine to ease stubborn pain: which works best?

NCT ID NCT02817880

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested three types of non-invasive brain or spinal stimulation (tDCS, rTMS, and tsDCS) to see which best reduces pain in people with algoneurodystrophy, a chronic pain condition. 36 adults who had pain for over a year and didn't respond to drugs took part. The goal was to compare how well each method eases pain and improves quality of life.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

brain and spinal stimulation devices (tDCS, rTMS, tsDCS)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward a non-drug option for managing long-term pain in algoneurodystrophy.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed study with only 36 participants, so results may not apply widely. The effects may be modest or temporary.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

complex regional pain syndrome Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Centre de la douleur, CHU Grenoble Alpes

    Grenoble, Isere, 38043, France

  • Service de Physiologie - Explorations Fonctionnelles, Hôpital Henri Mondor

    Créteil, Île-de-France Region, 94010, France