High-Frequency rTMS Over the DLPFC for Chronic Low Back Pain

NCT07468799 | Completed

• 2 other identifiers: UNHAS-RTMS-CLBP-2024012/UNHAS/LPPM/2025
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 30
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition that significantly affects quality of life and often responds poorly to conventional pharmacological treatments. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has emerged as a non-invasive neuromodulation technique with potential analgesic effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of rTMS in reducing neuropathic pain intensity among patients with confirmed neuropathic pain. A clinical study was conducted involving adult patients who met diagnostic criteria for neuropathic pain. Participants received rTMS sessions targeting the motor cortex over a defined treatment period. Pain intensity was assessed using standardized pain scales before and after treatment. The study examined changes in pain scores following rTMS therapy and evaluated its potential as an adjunctive treatment for neuropathic pain. The findings of this study may contribute to understanding the therapeutic role of rTMS in the management of neuropathic pain and support its use as a non-invasive treatment option.

Conditions

Neuropathic Pain; Chronic Neuropathic Pain

Keywords

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; rTMS; Neuromodulation; Chronic Pain; Motor Cortex Stimulation

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Pain intensity score

  Change in neuropathic pain intensity measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Pain scores are assessed before the rTMS intervention and after completion of the treatment sessions.

  Baseline and immediately after completion of the rTMS treatment sessions

Study Arms (1)

rTMS Treatment

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants receive repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied over the primary motor cortex as a therapeutic intervention for neuropathic pain. Clinical outcomes including pain severity and inflammatory biomarkers are assessed before and after the intervention.

Device: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Interventions

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation DEVICE

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) delivered over the primary motor cortex using a magnetic coil to generate repeated magnetic pulses. The stimulation sessions are administered to modulate cortical excitability and reduce neuropathic pain symptoms. Participants receive multiple treatment sessions according to the study protocol, and clinical outcomes are evaluated before and after the intervention.

Also known as: rTMS

rTMS Treatment

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Adults aged 18-65 years
• Diagnosed with schizophrenia according to DSM-5 criteria
• Experiencing neuropathic pain or chronic pain symptoms
• Stable psychiatric medication for at least 4 weeks prior to enrollment
• Able to provide written informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• History of epilepsy or seizure disorders
• Presence of metallic implants in the head
• Severe neurological disorders
• Substance abuse within the past 6 months
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Contraindications to rTMS therapy

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Hasanuddin University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Hasanuddin University

Makassar, South Sulawesi, 90245, Indonesia

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Neuralgia; Chronic Pain

Interventions

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Neuromuscular Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Magnetic Field Therapy; Therapeutics

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Neurologist

Model Details: Single-arm interventional study evaluating the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on neuropathic pain. Participants receive rTMS sessions targeting the primary motor cortex, and clinical outcomes including pain severity and inflammatory biomarkers are assessed before and after the intervention.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 9, 2026
• First Posted: March 13, 2026
• Study Start: January 1, 2024
• Primary Completion: December 1, 2024
• Study Completion: December 1, 2024
• Last Updated: March 13, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Locations

ID (1)