๐Ÿ›๏ธ Verified NIH Record โ€ข Updated 2026-08-18

From Nerve to Brain: Toward a Mechanistic Understanding of Spinal Cord Stimulation in Human Subjects (NCT05661903)

๐ŸŸข Recruiting Phase2 ๐Ÿ’Š Investigational Drug / Biologic Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

๐Ÿฉบ Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

This is a multicenter prospective study of patients who currently have stably implanted spinal cord simulators. Patients will be randomly assigned to turn on or off their spinal cord stimulators for two week intervals up to six weeks after enrollment, and on the final day of study participation, for one hour intervals, in a multi-crossover design. In a subset of patients we will also perform combined positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging at baseline, week 2 and week 4.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: Massachusetts General Hospital โ€” Boston, Massachusetts

Age range: 18 Years to 80 Years

๐Ÿ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" โ€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria โ†—

๐Ÿ“ All Participating Trial Locations (3 Sites)

  • Massachusetts General Hospital โ€” Boston, Massachusetts
  • Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center โ€” Boston, Massachusetts
  • Brigham and Women's Hospital โ€” Boston, Massachusetts

๐Ÿ“ž Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (617) 726-8810

Email: BWAINGER@PARTNERS.ORG

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA ยง 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

Explore by condition: All Chronic Pain clinical trials

๐Ÿ’ก How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ View Official NIH Record โ†—