Sound waves aim to quiet chronic pain without surgery
NCT ID NCT06628180
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study explores whether low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) can temporarily change brain activity to reduce chronic pain. Eighty adults with moderate-to-severe pain lasting at least 3 months will receive brain scans, pain tests, and questionnaires over 10 weeks. The goal is to see if this noninvasive approach can ease pain sensation and improve quality of life.
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
-
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
-
About 80 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Jan 2025
- Expected to finish
-
Oct 2026
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.
- Ages
-
18 to 65 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 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: * Patients with a chronic pain diagnosis. Pain must be moderate-to-severe and present for at least 3 months prior to research participation. Patients of all ethnicities, who understand and speak English. Exclusion Criteria: * Claustrophobia (scanning environment may be uncomfortable). * Contraindications to MRI: including pacemaker, aneurysm clips, neurostimulators, cochlear implants, metal in eyes, steel worker, or other implants. * Contraindications to CT: pregnancy * Active medical disorder or treatment with potential CNS effects (e.g. Alzheimer\'s) * History of neurologic disorder. (e.g. Parkinson\'s, Epilepsy, or Essential Tremor) * History of head injury resulting in loss of consciousness for \>10 minutes. * History of alcohol or drug dependence (through self-report).
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Chronic pain are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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.
-
The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
-
The official record
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
-
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
-
Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
Roanoke, Virginia, 24016, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- One 2-Hour class may help new mothers manage Post-Cesarean pain
- Zapping deep brain regions to quiet chronic back pain
- Herbal injections at acupuncture points tested against physical therapy for Long-Lasting sciatica
- Can difficulty naming emotions shape how much tailbone pain you feel?
- Can talk therapy rewire the brain to ease burn Survivors' pain?
- Can a video game teach cancer patients to tame their pain?