Brain scans reveal Dopamine's role in chronic pain
NCT ID NCT05285683
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study explores how dopamine, a brain chemical linked to motivation, influences chronic pain. Ten adults with chronic pain will receive two dopamine-boosting drugs (methylphenidate and carbidopa-levodopa) or a placebo, then undergo brain scans to measure changes in key pain-related areas. The goal is to understand the brain's pain signature, not to treat pain directly.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
methylphenidate and carbidopa-levodopa
What this could lead to
If successful, this could reveal how dopamine influences chronic pain in the brain, pointing toward new treatment targets.
What could go wrong
This is a very small early-phase study with only 10 participants, focused on brain changes rather than pain relief, so results may not lead to treatments.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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University of Rochester Medical Center
RECRUITINGRochester, New York, 14642, United States