Zapping the brain to quiet diabetic nerve pain

NCT ID NCT03625752

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: Case Western Reserve University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 29, 2026 · Last updated Jun 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether two non-invasive brain stimulation techniques—transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Transcranial Ultrasound (TUS)—can reduce chronic pain in people with diabetic neuropathy. Participants, aged 40 to 80 with foot pain lasting at least 6 months, will receive either active or sham stimulation over several sessions. The goal is to see if these methods can safely lower pain intensity and improve function without drugs.

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) and Transcranial Ultrasound (TUS)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a drug-free way to ease chronic pain from diabetic neuropathy, improving daily life for many.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with 60 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The effects may be modest or temporary.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Chronic Pain chronic pain syndrome diabetic neuropathy

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CHRONIC PAIN DIABETIC NEUROPATHIES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Ciro Ramos Estebanez

Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/ Dahms Clinical Research Unit

Cleveland, Ohio, 44106-1716, United States

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