NCT05650931

Study of Phantom Limb Pain Using Peripheral Nerve and Spinal Cord Stimulation

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation and Spinal Cord Stimulation in Patients With Phantom Limb Pain After Upper Limb Amputation for Phantom Limb Pain Suppression and Development of the Biomarkers

• Status: Unknown
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 10 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Artur Biktimirov · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of neuromodulation for relief of phantom limb pain (PLP) using peripheral nerve (PNS) and spinal cord (SCS) stimulation with implantable electrodes. The researchers expect that PLP in patients with upper limb amputation will be relieved by peripheral nerve and the spinal cord stimulation. The possibility of finding EEG biomarkers for phantom pain will be explored.

Detailed description

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of neuromodulation for relief of phantom limb pain (PLP) using peripheral nerve (PNS) and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) with implantable electrodes. The study is conducted to collect information on the role of non-adaptive neuroplasticity and inhibitory descending antinociceptive influences, which determine the effect of peripheral nerve and spinal cord stimulation with implanted electrodes in patients with phantom limb pain as a result of amputation of the upper limb. Neuromodulation is a potential treatment option for chronic pain that may alter maladaptive neuroplasticity and enhance descending inhibitory pathways. Study participants will be selected according to the inclusion criteria. Next, multichannel electrodes will be implanted in the region of the target peripheral nerves of the amputated limb and the corresponding segments of the spinal cord. The evaluation of the therapeutic effects of pain syndromes will be carried out in the mode of long-term repetitive nerve stimulation. Postoperative follow-up will be carried out from 2 weeks to 1 month. During the follow-up period, patients will complete scales and questionnaires daily. The stimulator is turned on the day after surgery to assess pain relief. The patient is explained the rules for using the stimulator. The selection of stimulation parameters is carried out according to the generally accepted methodology (the stimulation zone should overlap the pain zone; stimulation should be in the nature of pleasant vibrations). The patient will be given a test stimulation diary to complete every day (at the end of the day) during the entire stimulation period. The researchers expect that phantom limb pain in patients undergoing upper limb amputation will be relieved by peripheral nerve stimulation. We will explore the possibility of creating a personal phantom sensitivity map to optimize the stimulation program. We will study improving the quality of life and reducing pain. Patients will be asked to participate in an experiment using electroencephalography (EEG) starting on the 3rd day after implantation. The purpose of this entry is to investigate the bimarkers of phantom pain. As part of the experimental procedure, we plan to sequentially turn off the stimulator until the patient returns to the preoperative pain state, and also turn on the stimulator with fixation of the moments of pain suppression to the level at the beginning of the experiment. During the entire period, the patient's EEG will be recorded. The researchers expect to see changes in alpha and theta EEG rhythms under these experimental conditions.

Conditions

• Phantom Limb Pain
• Phantom Pain
• Amputation

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Implantation of PNS electrodes during surgery, mapping to select sites with the best effect and pain modulation.	PNS electrodes are implanted in the area of peripheral nerves of the amputated limb. During phantom pain mapping, multichannel electrodes are used to stimulate peripheral nerves at different sites in the stump. Stimulation turns on sequentially at different stimulation sites; sites are selected where pain is most effectively suppressed. These sites are assigned to the patient for daily modulation.
PROCEDURE	SCS electrode implantation at surgery, mapping to select sites with the best effect and pain modulation.	SNS electrodes are implanted in the area of targeted peripheral nerves in the amputated limb. During phantom pain mapping, multichannel electrodes are used to stimulate the spinal cord at different sites in the cervical thickening (C5-T1). Stimulation starts at a specific site at a frequency of 1 Hz and increases by 0.1 Hz until the patient no longer feels phantom pain. Stimulation turns on sequentially at different stimulation sites; sites are selected where pain is most effectively suppressed. These sites are assigned to the patient for daily modulation.
PROCEDURE	EEG to search for phantom pain biomarkers	This procedure uses the method of electroencephalography (EEG). EEG signals are recorded during the entire experiment. First, the patient is recorded at rest with stimulator on (PNS/SCS) with eyes open and then closed, in the stimulator off state (eyes open, then closed) when patient's pain returns to its preoperative state. The stimulation is then turned back on to the original level of pain suppression. The moments of pain suppression are fixed by marking.

Timeline

• Start date: 2021-11-01
• Primary completion: 2025-09-01
• Completion: 2025-11-01
• First posted: 2022-12-14
• Last updated: 2022-12-14

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Russia