BreEStim for Neuropathic Pain

This trial tests a new method for managing neuropathic pain, which arises from nerve damage after a spinal cord injury. Researchers compare three treatments: Breathing Controlled Electrical Stimulation (BreEStim), a sham version of BreEStim, and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). Individuals who have had a spinal cord injury for over a year and continue to experience neuropathic pain despite medication may be suitable candidates. The study aims to determine which treatment most effectively reduces pain. As an unphased trial, it offers patients the chance to contribute to innovative research that could lead to new pain management solutions.

A previous study found Breathing Controlled Electrical Stimulation (BreEStim) to be safe and effective for managing long-term nerve pain in people with spinal cord injuries. This treatment uses electrical pulses synchronized with the patient's breathing, set at a comfortable level. Research shows that BreEStim does not cause significant negative side effects.

For Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), moderate-certainty evidence indicates it can lower pain levels without causing serious side effects. Used since the 1960s, TENS is generally well tolerated, although its success can depend on correct electrode placement on the body.

Breathing Controlled Electrical Stimulation (BreEStim) is unique because it combines controlled breathing with electrical stimulation to target neuropathic pain. Unlike conventional treatments like medications or standard Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), BreEStim synchronizes breathing with electrical impulses, potentially enhancing pain relief through a novel mechanism. Researchers are excited because this approach could offer more personalized and effective pain management, reducing reliance on drugs and their side effects. Meanwhile, the Sham BreEStim serves as a control to assess the genuine impact of the active treatment, and TENS is used as a comparison to evaluate the effectiveness of BreEStim against a well-known standard.

This trial will compare treatments for neuropathic pain, including Breathing Controlled Electrical Stimulation (BreEStim) and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). Research has shown that BreEStim, which participants in this trial may receive, could effectively treat long-lasting nerve pain, particularly in individuals with spinal cord injuries. Studies indicate that BreEStim can significantly increase pain tolerance by using electrical pulses that align with breathing patterns, potentially altering the brain's perception of pain.