Studying brain pain processing in children with chronic pain conditions
Studies brain responses to pain in children and teens with chronic pain conditions.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Supraspinal Processing of Sensory Aspects of Pain
Key facts
- Where
- Cincinnati, United StatesSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 10 and 17 years old?
Source: NCT05814497, who can take part
Where in United States
- Cincinnati Children's HospitalCincinnati, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati
- Trial code
- NCT05814497
- Record updated
- 5 June 2026
- Original description
The goal of this basic science study is to learn about the brain mechanisms of chronic pain across different chronic pain syndromes in pediatric patients. The main questions it aims to answer are:Read full original descriptionShow less
Supraspinal Processing of Sensory Aspects of Pain
The goal of this basic science study is to learn about the brain mechanisms of chronic pain across different chronic pain syndromes in pediatric patients. The main questions it aims to answer are:
* Are there shared and distinct brain systems engaged by different forms of pediatric chronic pain? * What are predictors of recovery from chronic pain? * What brain systems are associated with the spread of pain?
For this study participants will undergo:
* Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) * Quantitative Sensory Testing * Psychological Assessments
Inclusion: Patients will need a diagnosis of a chronic pain derived congruent with ICD-11 criteria related to headache (migraine, daily headache), abdominal (FAPD), localized MSK (single limb/joint, low back or chest pain), diffuse MSK (widespread MSK pain), or CRPS; If on medications, they need to be on stable doses of prescribed pain and/or psychiatric medications for 4 weeks before the baseline study visit; Male or female, age 10 -17 (inclusive); English speaking, able to complete interviews and questionnaires in English.
Exclusion: Orthodontic braces, metallic or electronic implants, or other metal objects in the body which obscure or interfere with the MRI, or pose a risk from heating, movement, or malfunction in the MRI environment; Any comorbid rheumatic disease, diagnosis of epilepsy, other neurological diseases, or medical condition (e.g. diabetes, cancer, IBD); Present psychiatric disease as defined by DSM IV (e.g. psychosis, bipolar disorder, major depression, generalized anxiety disorder), alcohol or drug dependence, or documented developmental delays or impairments (e.g., autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD, or mental retardation) that, in the opinion of the investigator, would interfere with adherence to study requirements or safe participation in the study; Skin conditions or past skin damage on the arms or legs in or near sites of sensory testing; History of > 1 month opioid treatment; Outside the age range (9 years old or younger; 18 years or older) at the time of consent; Weight/size incompatible with MRI scanner; Claustrophobia; Youth who are pregnant.