Testing magnetic stimulation to slow progressive multiple sclerosis

Plain-English translation of NCT05811013 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated October 2024 · 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 transcranial static magnetic field stimulation (tSMS)—a non-invasive device that uses magnetic fields to stimulate the brain—as a potential treatment for progressive multiple sclerosis. The study focuses on people whose MS causes progressive weakness, particularly in the legs and lower body. Researchers believe this treatment might help protect nerve cells in the brain from inflammatory damage and slow the disease's progression.

Progressive MS causes inflammation in the brain that disrupts how nerve cells communicate with each other, leading to progressive weakness and disability over time. Current treatments don't fully address this underlying problem, so researchers are testing whether this magnetic stimulation could help restore the brain's ability to protect and repair itself.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 65 years old
you have been diagnosed with primary or secondary progressive multiple sclerosis with progressive weakness in your legs or lower body
you have relatively mild to moderate disability (EDSS score of 6.5 or lower)
you are able to use the device yourself twice daily for 60 minutes each time
you are willing to keep any current MS treatments stable throughout the study and not start new ones

You likely don't qualify if…

you have relapsing-remitting MS or progressive MS with cerebellar or cognitive symptoms
you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study
you have other brain conditions like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, or a history of stroke
you are taking medications that increase seizure risk or alter how nerve cells communicate
you have any unstable medical condition, such as active cancer or infection

What participation looks like

You would use the tSMS device at home twice daily (morning and afternoon, 6–10 hours apart) for 60 minutes per session, continuing this routine for 6 months, then potentially for another 6 months. The device is held against your scalp using a comfortable helmet. Half of participants will receive the active magnetic treatment, while the other half will receive a sham (placebo) device that looks identical but produces no magnetic field. You will be instructed on how to self-administer the treatment safely and will need to follow the study protocol carefully.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 4, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

Italy

IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Isernia

Key details

Sponsor

Neuromed IRCCS

Enrollment target

~40 participants

Started

May 2023

Primary completion

May 2025

This trial's estimated completion date has passed — the record may not be fully up to date.

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in October 2024.

Contact the research team directly

Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.

Central contact

Diego Centonze, MD, PhD

Neuromed IRCCS

Interested in joining?

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.

View full record on ClinicalTrials.gov