MEMOIR
Research type
Research Study
Full title
MEMOIR: a randomised controlled trial of memantine and Graded Motor Imagery for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
IRAS ID
1008148
Contact name
Christopher Clark
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Neuroscience Research Australia
Research summary
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a disabling chronic pain condition. People with CRPS experience intense and persistent pain, usually in the hands or feet, as well as other symptoms such as swelling, discolouration, sweating changes, and weakness. People with CRPS are unable to use their affected limb without severe discomfort, and their ability to work or take part in social activities is restricted. A broad range of treatments are used to manage the symptoms of CRPS but the evidence regarding their effectiveness is very uncertain. The MEMOIR trial aims to evaluate two potential treatments for CRPS. MEMOIR will test whether memantine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist medicine, and graded motor imagery, a rehabilitation program, can reduce pain intensity and pain interference compared with placebo memantine and usual care in people with CRPS. Eligible participants will be aged 18 years and above, with CRPS of 6 months to 5 years duration and have no contraindications to taking the study medicine. Potential participants will be screened via an online form, phone calls with research staff, and a video call with a physician. Two hundred and four eligible participants from Australia and the United Kingdom will be randomly allocated to one of four treatment groups: memantine plus graded motor imagery; memantine plus usual care; placebo plus graded motor imagery; placebo plus usual care. Participants will receive all treatments at their homes via remote delivery for 16 weeks. Memantine will be taken at 40 mg/day or maximum tolerated dose. Graded motor imagery will be delivered by trained clinicians over 7, 1-hour sessions via telehealth. The study outcomes of interest include pain intensity, pain interference, CRPS symptoms, physical function, fatigue, and safety. The outcomes will be measured via online questionnaires before starting treatment, and 12-, 16-, 26- and 52-weeks after randomisation.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 1
REC reference
23/WS/0141
Date of REC Opinion
5 Dec 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion