Spinal cord stimulator may calm the 'fight or flight' system in chronic pain

NCT ID NCT00780390

Terminated Disease control Sponsor: Vanderbilt University Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 28, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study investigates whether a spinal cord stimulator (SCS) alters the sympathetic nervous system — the body's fight-or-flight response — in people with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Ten adults with CRPS will have their nerve activity, heart rate, and blood pressure measured before and after SCS implant. The goal is to see if changes in these measures can predict who gets the most pain relief from the device.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: a spinal cord stimulator implant
What this could lead to: If it works, this could help doctors predict which CRPS patients will benefit most from a spinal cord stimulator before implanting it.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early-stage study with only 10 participants. The results may not apply to all CRPS patients, and the stimulator implant carries surgical risks.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

complex regional pain syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

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

COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME

Contacts and locations

Locations

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee, 37212, United States

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