Plain-English translation of NCT04326192 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.
Researchers are investigating whether spinal cord stimulation (SCS), a device implanted to help control chronic pain, might also activate brown adipose tissue—a special type of body fat that burns calories to generate heat. If this works, it could open a new way to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes. The study will compare brain imaging scans taken with and without the stimulation turned on to see if the device activates this calorie-burning fat.
Current treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes have limited effectiveness for many people. Scientists have discovered that brown fat burns calories naturally, and this study explores whether spinal cord stimulation—already used safely for pain—might activate this tissue as an unexpected added benefit.
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If you enroll, you will have spinal cord stimulation electrodes implanted as part of your regular pain treatment plan. Two to five days after implantation, you will receive two imaging scans (PET/CT scans) on separate days—one scan without the stimulation turned on and one with it turned on. These scans use a special imaging technique to measure how active your brown fat tissue is under each condition. The entire study participation takes just a few days during your normal SCS evaluation period.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 7, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Sponsor
Oregon Health and Science University
Enrollment target
~10 participants
Started
February 2021
Primary completion
October 2025
This trial's estimated completion date has passed — the record may not be fully up to date.
Age range
21 Years – 70 Years
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in April 2024.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Kim Burchiel, MD
Oregon Health and Science University
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.