New hope for nerve pain: brain zaps and VR mirrors join forces

NCT ID NCT04867187

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether combining brain stimulation (rTMS) with virtual reality mirror therapy can reduce hard-to-treat nerve pain. 64 adults with chronic neuropathic pain that hasn't responded to drugs will receive either real or sham mirror therapy alongside rTMS. The goal is to see if the combo provides better pain relief than rTMS alone.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and virtual reality mirror therapy

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a new drug-free option for people with stubborn nerve pain that doesn't respond to standard medications.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study (64 people) testing a combination of two techniques. It may not show a clear benefit, and the effects might not last long-term.

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.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for NEUROPATHIC PAIN are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

neuralgia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

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

Locations

  • Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint-Etienne

    RECRUITING

    Saint-Etienne, 42055, France

    Contact

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

    Contact

  • Hôpital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Bron, 69500, France

    Contact

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

    Contact

    Contact