Gentle Brain Stimulation for Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis
Tests brain stimulation for fatigue in adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Non-invasive Brain Stimulation in Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue
Key facts
- Where
- Berlin, GermanySee 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 18 and 70 years old?
Source: NCT07438964, who can take part
Where in Germany
- Charité Campus MitteBerlin, GermanyTaking 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
- Charite University, Berlin, Germany
- Trial code
- NCT07438964
- Record updated
- 27 February 2026
- Original description
The neurobiological basis of central fatigue in multiple sclerosis remained unclear so far. This study investigates reward-related brain mechanisms, inflammation, and their modulation by non-invasive brain stimulation using fMRI, proteomics, and clinical measures to improve future treatment of central fatigue in MS. In the study, persons suffering from relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) with vs. without comorbid central fatigue will be included.Read full original descriptionShow less
Non-invasive Brain Stimulation for Altering Neuro-inflammatory Mediators of Central Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis
The neurobiological basis of central fatigue in multiple sclerosis remained unclear so far. This study investigates reward-related brain mechanisms, inflammation, and their modulation by non-invasive brain stimulation using fMRI, proteomics, and clinical measures to improve future treatment of central fatigue in MS. In the study, persons suffering from relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) with vs. without comorbid central fatigue will be included.
The study comprises five experimental visits conducted at Charité University Medicine on five consecutive days (i.e., V1 - V5) and two follow-up visits two (V6) and four (V7) weeks after V5. True or sham anodal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) at the five visits V1 to V5. All primary and secondary outcomes are assessed at V1 and V5.
At V6 and V7, measures of central fatigue are additionally assessed via questionnaires which are send to and back from the patients via mail.
Participants of all groups will participate in all visits.
Inclusion: Men and women; 18 - 70 years; Established MS diagnosis (relapsing-remitting MS; RRMS) prior to study inclusion; Maximal EDSS of 4; Maximal disease duration 10 years; Existing health insurance; Stable or no treatment with disease modifying treatment (DMT) in last six months prior to study onset; Persons with RRMS and FSMC score ≥ 22 will be included in group "RRMS with fatigue"; Persons with RRMS and FSMC score < 22 will be included in group "RRMS without fatigue".
Exclusion: • MRI contraindications; Known endocrine, immunologic, psychiatric, and neurologic disease (other than RRMS and Major Depressive Diosorder); Current treatment with pharmaceuticals affecting monoaminergic functioning such as Levodopa, Amantadin, Fluoxetin, Paroxetin or antipsychotics; Relapse or treatment with steroids in last four weeks window prior to study onset; DMT other than B-cell depleting monoclonal antibodies or fumarates; Sleep disorder as assessed with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.