Recruiting

Testing a new brain stimulation pattern for chronic nerve pain

Plain-English translation of NCT05204472 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated May 2026 · Translation generated July 2026 · 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.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a newer type of deep brain stimulation—a procedure where small electrodes are placed in a specific brain area called the thalamus to deliver electrical pulses that reduce pain. Researchers want to see if a newer pulse pattern called 'burst stimulation' works better than the traditional continuous stimulation pattern for people with chronic nerve pain from stroke or facial nerve damage.

Many people with chronic nerve pain after stroke or facial nerve injury don't get enough relief from medications alone. This trial exists because the new burst stimulation pattern has shown promise for other types of nerve pain, but it hasn't been properly tested yet for brain stimulation in these specific conditions.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 75 years old
you have had chronic nerve pain (lasting more than 12 months) from a stroke, or chronic nerve pain in your face from shingles, trauma, or past facial surgery
your pain is severe (rated 6 or higher on a 10-point scale) and hasn't improved enough with standard nerve pain medications like antiepileptics or antidepressants
you are able to understand the study and give informed consent
you are able to operate and manage the brain stimulation device

You likely don't qualify if…

you have significant memory or thinking problems
you have certain psychiatric conditions or untreated mental health disorders
you have had problems with substance abuse or show signs of pain catastrophizing (severe fear and hopelessness about pain)
you have an implanted heart device like a pacemaker or defibrillator, or cannot safely have surgery or an MRI
you are a woman who could become pregnant, or you are at high surgical risk due to serious medical illnesses or active infections

What participation looks like

If you qualify and are enrolled, you will have brain surgery to implant the stimulation electrodes in your thalamus. After recovery, you'll participate in a 20-day testing period where you'll receive one type of stimulation for 10 days, then switch to the other type for 10 days. You'll track your pain levels throughout and work with the research team to compare how each stimulation pattern affects your pain.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 10, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

Switzerland

Dep. of Neurosurgery, Bern University Hospital, Bern