TMS for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

This study is testing if Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) can help people with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain. Researchers want to see if TMS can reduce pain and other symptoms like cognitive (thinking), emotional, and physical issues. You might be able to join if you are 18-70 years old, have had CRPS for at least 3 months, and your pain level meets certain requirements. The study will compare people who receive TMS to those who receive a sham (inactive) treatment. The main goals are to see how much pain changes after one week and how long any pain relief lasts, up to an estimated six months. The current status of this study is unclear.

Study design
This study is an interventional trial planning to enroll 40 participants. It will compare the effects of active TMS to a sham treatment.
What's involved
Participants will receive TMS or sham treatment once daily for two days. You will be followed until your pain returns to baseline for two consecutive weeks.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed to assess the duration of pain relief, up to an estimated 6 months, and until their pain returns to baseline for two consecutive weeks.

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NCT03137472

TMS for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Recruiting
NAAges 18–70InterventionalTreatment
Stanford University
~40 participants
Updated 2026-06-23 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in Pain
Measured over 1 week follow-up compared to baseline
+1 more outcome measured
Complex Regional Pain Syndromes
1 sites across 1 states
California1

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Age 18-70
Diagnosis of CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome) for at least 3 months
Average pain level reported on Numerical Rating Scale meets entry criteria
Ability to perform the experimental task and procedures.

Exclusion

MRI contraindication (metal implants or devices, claustrophobia)
TMS Contraindication (eg metal implant or devices near the site of stimulation)
History of epilepsy
History of a psychological or psychiatric disorder that would interfere with study procedures, at the discretion of the researcher.
Neurologic illness that would interfere with brain integrity
Current medical condition or medication use that would interfere with study procedures or data integrity, at the discretion of the researcher.
Currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
On going legal action or disability claim.
  • Change in Pain1 week follow-up compared to baseline

    Decrease in CRPS-related Pain Ratings

  • Duration of Pain ReliefDuration from last treatment until pain returns - up to an estimate of 6 months

    Duration of decreased CRPS-related pain ratings, measured as a length of time until pain returns for two consecutive weeks