Noninvasive Brain Stimulation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

This study is looking into whether noninvasive brain stimulation can help reduce pain for people with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Researchers are testing two types of stimulation: transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Transcranial Ultrasound (TUS). You would receive either active stimulation or a sham (inactive) version of these treatments. The study aims to see if active stimulation leads to less pain compared to the sham treatment. To join, you need to be between 18 and 80 years old and have chronic pain from carpal tunnel syndrome that has lasted at least 6 months. The study plans to enroll 95 participants, but its current status is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study, meaning participants will receive a specific treatment. It plans to enroll 95 participants.
What's involved
You would receive 20 minutes of either active or sham transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and 20 minutes of either active or sham Transcranial Ultrasound (TUS).
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your pain levels will be measured at 9 weeks after treatment.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT04206215

Noninvasive Brain Stimulation for Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Recruiting
NAAges 18–80InterventionalTreatment
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
~95 participants
Updated 2026-08-18 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)Transcranial Ultrasound (TUS)

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Visual Analogue Score (VAS)
Measured over 9 weeks
Chronic Pain
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

NCT04206215

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Spaulding Rehabilitation Network Research Institute

    Charlestown, Massachusettsstudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

  • Felipe Fregni, MD PhD MPH · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Spaulding Rehabilitation Network

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

  • Visual Analogue Score (VAS)9 weeks

    Changes in the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain will be measured in order to determine whether anodal transcranial direct current stimulation in conjunction with transcranial ultrasound is effective in reducing pain in subjects with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The VAS scale goes from 0 up to 10, where 0 means no pain at all and 10 means the worst imaginable pain.