Could a headset zap away phantom limb pain at home?

NCT ID NCT05188183

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a portable brain stimulation device, used at home along with sensory training, can reduce phantom limb pain in amputees. About 290 participants will either receive the active treatment or continue their usual care. The goal is to see if this approach works in real-world settings and to use machine learning to identify who benefits most.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) device and somatosensory training

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a convenient, at-home way to reduce phantom limb pain for many amputees.

What could go wrong

This is an early-stage pragmatic trial, so results may not show clear benefit. The treatment requires daily sessions, and some people may not respond.

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.

Phantom Limb

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Spaulding Hospital Cambridge

    RECRUITING

    Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact