Could a magnetic helmet ease diabetic nerve pain?

NCT ID NCT05937984

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: McMaster University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tested whether a new type of brain stimulation, called controlled transcranial magnetic stimulation (cTMS), can reduce pain and improve daily function in people with painful diabetic neuropathy. Twenty adults with the condition received either real or sham cTMS over five days. The goal was to see if this non-invasive, painless procedure could offer relief where other treatments have fallen short.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: controlled transcranial magnetic stimulation (cTMS) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new, non-drug option for managing chronic nerve pain in people with diabetes.
What could go wrong: This was a very small, early study (20 people) and previous TMS research only helped about half of patients. The results may not apply to everyone.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for PAINFUL DIABETIC NEUROPATHY are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

diabetic neuropathy Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PAINFUL DIABETIC NEUROPATHY

Contacts and locations

Locations

McMaster University

Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L8, Canada

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.