Plain-English translation of NCT04144972 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This trial is testing a new type of brain stimulation device called the Summit RC+S that works differently than older versions. Instead of constantly stimulating your brain, this device learns to recognize when your pain is worst and turns on only when it's needed — like a smart thermostat for pain. The goal is to help people with severe chronic pain that hasn't gotten better with medications or other treatments.
Many people with chronic pain conditions don't get relief from available medications and treatments, and older brain stimulation devices often stop working well over time. Researchers believe a smarter device that adapts to each person's unique pain patterns could work better and last longer.
You likely qualify if…
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You would first stay in the hospital for a trial period where temporary electrodes are placed in your brain to test whether the approach works for you and to identify which brain areas control your pain. If successful, you would have surgery to implant the permanent Summit RC+S device, which records brain signals and delivers stimulation. After that, you would participate in both active (stimulation on) and inactive (stimulation off) periods while researchers collect data to build algorithms that learn your personal pain patterns, with follow-up visits to monitor how well the treatment works.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 4, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Sponsor
University of California, San Francisco
Collaborators
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Enrollment target
~12 participants
Started
October 2019
Primary completion
October 2029
Age range
22 Years – 80 Years
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in July 2025.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Catherine Borror
University of California, San Francisco
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.