Scientists probe brain changes behind chronic pain

NCT ID NCT07321080

Knowledge-focused Sponsor: IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study looks at how the nervous system becomes overly sensitive in people with different types of chronic pain. Researchers will assess 185 adults using questionnaires, thinking tests, and laser brain-wave measurements at the start and after one year. The goal is to better understand pain mechanisms so treatments can be more personalized.

What this could mean

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

What this could lead to: If successful, this could help doctors better understand different chronic pain types and tailor treatments more effectively.
What could go wrong: This is an observational study, not testing a treatment. It may not lead to immediate changes in patient care.

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.

Participants

About 185 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Started

Dec 2025

Expected to finish

Dec 2027

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

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.

Who is studied

The sample size was estimated using G\*Power 3.1 based on the primary outcome measure, the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI). A one-way ANOVA (omnibus test) comparing three groups (nociceptive pain, neuropathic pain, and mixed pain) with equal allocation (1:1:1) was assumed. The calculation was performed using a moderate effect size (f = 0.25), a two-sided significance level of α = 0.05, and a statistical power of 0.80. Based on these parameters, a minimum sample size of 159 participants was required (53 participants per group). Considering an expected dropout rate of approximately 15% over the 12-month follow-up period, the target enrollment was increased to approximately 185 participants, corresponding to about 62 participants per group.

Ages

18 to 90 years

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

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

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 90 years * Presence of chronic pain * Diagnosis of nociceptive pain, neuropathic pain, mixed pain, or nociplastic pain * Patients referring to the pain outpatient clinic * Patients hospitalized in pain therapy units * Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of severe psychiatric disorders * Presence of severe neurological disorders * Presence of oncological diseases in terminal stage

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Chronic Pain chronic pain syndrome neuralgia Nociceptive Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Chronic pain Mixed pain (nociceptive and neuropathic) Neuropathic pain Nociceptive pain

Scientists probe brain changes behind chronic pain

What the study statuses mean