Non-invasive brain stimulation in sciatica patients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The effects of non-invasive brain stimulation on chronic pain and central sensitisation in patients with radicular low-back pain (sciatica): a randomised, sham-controlled proof-of-principle study
IRAS ID
254094
Contact name
Paul H Strutton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
A bulging or slipped disc in the spine can put pressure on the nerves which run down the leg; this can result in long lasting leg pain, called sciatica. This “chronic” pain is different to normal pain experienced by healthy people. Chronic pain involves changes within the spine which means the pain can often be severe; normal feelings of pain can become heightened and normally non-painful touch sensations can be painful.
The body has pain control systems in the brain that can alter the changes in the spine and many drugs used to treat chronic pain work in this way. However, they are associated with side effects and often do not work. There are now new, drug-free ways to treat chronic pain which involve activating the brain with a safe, easy-to-deliver electrical stimulus applied to the head. This approach has been used many times in patients with chronic pain, however, we still do not know if the pain relief is due to changes in the spine.
In this study, we will investigate the effects of brain stimulation on the changes in the spine that lead to chronic pain in patients with sciatica. To do this, we will note patients’ chronic pain and will use simple pain tests on the leg. These assessments will be done before and after brain stimulation on 5 consecutive days. The patients will return 7 and 21 days later and will have the same assessments, this time without brain stimulation. This will be done to see if the daily treatment has any longer lasting effects on their chronic pain. A longer-term follow-up at 2 months will also be carried out.
The new knowledge that we will generate will help us understand if and or how this new treatment works to reduce chronic pain.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
22/NS/0146
Date of REC Opinion
29 Nov 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion