Effects of repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex versus motor cortex in patients with neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury: a study protocol

BMJ Open, 2022 · DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053476 · Published: January 1, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Pain Management

Simple Explanation

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of rTMS in the DLPFC compared to M1 for treating neuropathic pain after SCI. Participants will be treated with rTMS for 4 weeks, and their pain, sleep, and anxiety will be assessed. The study hopes to provide more options for rTMS in treating neuropathic pain after SCI.

Study Duration

4 weeks

Participants

50 subjects with neuropathic pain after SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The study is designed to compare the efficacy of rTMS on the DLPFC with the motor cortex (M1) in NPP after SCI.
2
The study will assess pain degree, pain disturbance, sleep, and emotion of the patients.
3
The primary outcome will be the average VAS score in the past week at each evaluation time point.

Research Summary

This study protocol outlines a clinical trial comparing rTMS in the DLPFC versus M1 for neuropathic pain after SCI. The study will recruit 50 participants and assess pain, sleep, and anxiety levels over a 4-week treatment period. The results will be published in peer-reviewed publications.

Practical Implications

Treatment Options

Provide more treatment options for neuropathic pain after SCI.

Mood and Cognition

rTMS in DLPFC may affect multiple functions of pain, mood and cognition at the same time.

Clinical Practice

Clarify the efficacy of rTMS in the DLPFC in treating NPP and pain-related symptoms.

Study Limitations

1
The follow-up time in this trial is only 4 weeks after the end of treatment.
2
Patients will not be blinded, so expectations about treatment may affect the accuracy of the assessment.
3
The placebo effect and the expectation of the treatment may not be completely distinguishable from the real treatment effect.

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