Medical > Research

Chronic Pain Clinical Trial

Omneuron is currently investigating a treatment for pain that uses newly developed brain imaging methods to train participants to control their own brain activation.  This research project uses real-time functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rtfMRI) to assess brain activation during the experience of pain while participants attempt to mentally control their brain activation and pain response.

Click here to see if you are eligible to participate.

What is the Chronic Pain Clinical Trial?

We are currently inviting chronic pain patients to participate in a study to investigate a treatment for pain that uses newly developed brain imaging methods to train participants to control their own brain activation.  This research project uses real-time functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rtfMRI) to assess brain activation during the experience of pain while participants attempt to mentally control their brain activation and pain response.

 Benefits to Participants:

• Directly see the activity in your own brain corresponding to your pain on an MRI scan and try to learn to control it
• Access a newly developed experimental brain imaging technology only available through this study
• Help with the research process of developing a potential future treatment for chronic pain
• Interact extensively with the research team

You must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1) Weigh less than 220lbs.
2) Age 21 to 60
3) Clinically diagnosed chronic pain.  Some example diagnoses include: CRPS, RSD, neuropathy, neuralgia, fibromyalgia, or migraine.
4) Able to read English at the 8th grade level or higher
5) Able to be scanned in MRI without claustrophobia
6) Agree to be randomized to intervention group or control group
7) Agree to complete 12 study visits that will include 6 fMRI scans
8) No recent history of severe psychiatric illness
9) No facial tattoos, non-removable metal implants, piercings, or extensive dental work.
10) Not pregnant or having fertility treatments

If you are interested in joining the study, please click here to answer a few pre-screen questions. 

Procedure 

This is an experimental procedure and a controlled trial. We cannot and do not imply that this study will lead to a decrease in your pain.

Location

Participants must be able to attend 12 sessions in Menlo Park, CA.

Compensation

In addition to receiving this experimental treatment method and extensive interaction with our team, eligible participants will receive $10 an hour for travel time and time spent filling in forms and $25 an hour for time spent in the scanner as compensation for participation.

Sponsor

The Principal Investigator on this research study is Christopher deCharms, PhD. This study is sponsored by Omneuron, Inc. and receives funding from the National Institutes of Health.

Clinical Trial Listing on ClinicalTrials.gov

Chronic Pain Clinical Trial Homepage

Added January 20, 2009