Zapping the brain to loosen stiff legs and quiet nerve pain in MS?
NCT ID NCT07786506
First seen Aug 26, 2026 · Last updated Aug 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) can reduce lower-limb spasticity and neuropathic pain in people with multiple sclerosis. About 40 adults with MS and significant leg stiffness and pain will receive either active iTBS or a sham (inactive) procedure over five sessions in one week. Researchers will measure changes in spasticity, pain, and nerve function at two and four weeks after treatment to see if the stimulation provides meaningful relief.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) delivered via a magnetic stimulator
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this non-invasive brain stimulation technique could offer a drug-free way to reduce leg spasticity and neuropathic pain in people with multiple sclerosis.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small early-stage trial with only 40 participants and a short treatment course, so results may not be conclusive or widely applicable. The procedure is generally safe but may cause mild discomfort or temporary effects.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 40 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Aug 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Oct 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis according to the 2024 McDonald criteria. * Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score from 2.5 to 6.0. * Clinically significant spasticity in at least one muscle group of the more affected lower limb, defined as a Modified Tardieu Scale quality of muscle reaction score of at least 2 at velocity V3. * Lower-limb pain intensity of at least 4/10 on a 0-10 Visual Analogue Scale at screening. * Stable pharmacological treatment, including disease-modifying therapy, for at least 3 months before enrolment. * Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Epilepsy or another condition associated with an increased risk of seizure. * Metallic implants, implanted electronic devices, or other conditions contraindicating transcranial magnetic stimulation. * Clinical relapse of multiple sclerosis within 30 days before enrolment. * Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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2nd Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava and University Hospital Bratislava
Bratislava, 83305, Slovakia
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