Brain Connectivity Changes With Spinal Cord Stimulation Treatment of Chronic Pain: A Resting State NIRS/EEG Study
VA Office of Research and Development
Summary
This study aims to assess how use of spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of chronic pain impacts brain structure and function. The investigators will use a non-invasive neuroimaging technique called resting state Near Infrared Spectroscopy and Electroencephalography (rs-fNIRS/EEG). The investigators will enroll Veterans who are currently receiving care at the Medical Center and who are either long term users of SCS for the treatment of their chronic pain or being evaluated for use of SCS to treat their pain.
Description
Chronic pain is a complex neurological disease that adversely impacts function and quality of life. Brain structure and function are altered when an individual is in the chronic pain state. Furthermore, chronic pain is associated with disruptions in functional brain connectivity. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a clinically available non-pharmacological therapy that is used in the management of chronic pain. Although SCS is effective for many, there are individuals who do not benefit. Therefore, in order to better understand brain mechanisms that underlie SCS treatment of chronic pain and to…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age and a US veteran * Diagnosis of chronic neuropathic pain. * Current patient at Cleveland VA Medical Center receiving care via Pain Medicine Center. * Current user of tonic parasthesia-based SCS (pain relief 50% according to NPRS) or undergoing trial SCS period as part of clinical care. * Able to provide informed consent. * Medically and psychologically stable. Exclusion Criteria: * Metal in the skull or deformity of the skull * Pregnancy or pregnancy planning during the study period. * Unable to provide informed consent.
Location
- Louis Stokes VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OHCleveland, Ohio