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Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation for Gulf War Syndrome Pain

This study is looking into a treatment called Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) using a device called Alpha-Stim™ for people with Gulf War Syndrome (GWS) who experience headaches and pain. CES is a non-drug, portable device that delivers a small electrical current to your head. Researchers want to see if Alpha-Stim™ can help reduce your pain and understand how it affects your brain. You may be able to join if you are between 40 and 80 years old and have been diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome based on specific criteria. The study will measure changes in your pain levels using scales like the Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) over 12 weeks to see if the treatment is successful. The current status of this study is unclear, and it aims to enroll 130 participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study that plans to enroll 130 participants. Some participants will receive active Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES), while others will receive a sham (inactive) CES device.
What's involved
You would receive 60 minutes of therapy with the CES device. Your pain levels will be measured at the start of the study, and then again at 6 and 12 weeks after the intervention.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your pain levels will be followed for 12 weeks after the intervention.

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

NCT07151248

Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation and Brain Imaging for Gulf War Syndrome

Recruiting
NAAges 40–80InterventionalTreatment
Emory University
~130 participants
Updated 2026-04-22 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Cranial electrical/electrotherapy stimulation (CES)Sham Cranial electrical/electrotherapy stimulation (CES)

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 Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) from baseline
Measured over Baseline, 6 and 12 weeks post-intervention
+2 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Gulf War Syndrome

Explore related trials

Gulf War Illness Headaches and PainGulf war syndrome

NCT07151248

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.

  • Emory Clinic

    Atlanta, Georgiastudy 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.

Study leadership

  • Anna Woodbury, MD, MSc · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Emory University 404-727-8463
  • Lisa C Krishnamurthy, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Emory University 404-712-5332

Who to contact

Katherine Egan, RN, CCRC
[email protected]
404-727-8463
Email the study team

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

CDC: 1 or more from at least 2 of the following categories for ≥ 6 months): 1) fatigue 2) mood and cognition (symptoms of feeling depressed, difficulty in remembering or concentrating, feeling moody, feeling anxious, trouble in finding words, or difficulty in sleeping) 3) musculoskeletal (symptoms of joint pain, joint stiffness, or muscle pain
Kansas: 3 of 6 domains: 1) fatigue and sleep problems 2) pain symptoms 3) neurologic, cognitive, or mood symptoms 4) gastrointestinal symptoms 5) respiratory symptoms 6) skin symptoms chronic since 1990. Symptom reporting must be in the absence of diagnosed exclusionary conditions; only respondents who have at least 1 moderately severe symptom or 2 or more symptoms within a group were considered to have a high level of symptoms in the group. 3. Subjects must self-report consistent, daily pain (greater than or equal to 4 on the DVPRS) \>90 days (prior to enrollment) 4. Subjects must have intact skin free of infection at the site of electrode placement (earlobe). 5. Subjects must be willing to participate and understand the consent. 6. Subjects must be right-handed to provide consistency in brain structure and function.

What this trial measures

  • Change in Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) from baselineBaseline, 6 and 12 weeks post-intervention

    The Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) is a pain assessment tool. Patients will rate their pain intensity on a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst imaginable pain.

  • Change in Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) severity subscale from baselineBaseline, 6 and 12 weeks post-intervention

    The BPI assesses pain severity and interference with function. The pain severity subscale consists of 4 items, each rated on a 0-10 numerical scale (0 = "no pain," 10 = "pain as bad as you can imagine"). Scores are averaged to yield a total range of 0-10. Lower scores reflect less severe pain and are considered favorable outcomes.

  • Change in Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) pain interference subscale from baselineBaseline, 6 and 12 weeks post-intervention

    The pain interference subscale consists of 7 items rated on a 0-10 numerical scale (0 = "does not interfere," 10 = "completely interferes"), assessing the impact of pain on daily activities such as mood, walking ability, work, and enjoyment of life. Scores are averaged to create a total range of 0-10. Lower scores reflect less interference from pain and are considered favorable outcomes.