The Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Patients with Chronic Intractable Peripheral Neuropathic Pain: A Randomized Sham-Controlled Study
Issued Date
2026-05-01
Resource Type
ISSN
25869981
eISSN
26300559
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105033741482
Journal Title
Journal of Health Science and Medical Research
Volume
44
Issue
3
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Health Science and Medical Research Vol.44 No.3 (2026)
Suggested Citation
Wangnamthip S., Euasobhon P., Thongchattu M., Zunaid M., Rushatamukayanunt P. The Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Patients with Chronic Intractable Peripheral Neuropathic Pain: A Randomized Sham-Controlled Study. Journal of Health Science and Medical Research Vol.44 No.3 (2026). doi:10.31584/jhsmr.20251276 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/116014
Title
The Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Patients with Chronic Intractable Peripheral Neuropathic Pain: A Randomized Sham-Controlled Study
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Objectives: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has demonstrated efficacy in managing neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury and fibromyalgia, with a low incidence of adverse effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of tDCS in patients with refractory peripheral neuropathic pain. Material and Methods: In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study, 12 patients with chronic intractable peripheral neuropathic pain (≥6 months) were randomly allocated to receive either active tDCS (2 mA for 20 minutes) or sham stimulation for 5 consecutive days. The primary outcome was pain reduction, measured using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at baseline, daily during stimulation (days 1-5), and post-treatment (weeks 1, 2, 4, and 6). Secondary outcomes included the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI) and the EQ-5D-5L at the 4-week follow-up. Adverse events were recorded. Results: Active tDCS resulted in a statistically significant pain reduction on days 2, 3, and 5 compared to the sham group (NRS reduction: Day 2, 5.00±2.37 vs. 1.67±1.75, p-value=0.020; day 3, 5.17±2.32 vs. 1.83±1.94, p-value=0.022; day 5, 5.50±2.07 vs. 2.67±2.25, p-value=0.047). However, no significant differences in pain reduction were observed at weeks 1, 2, 4, or 6. NPSI and EQ-5D-5L scores also showed no significant differences between the groups at the 4-week follow-up. Adverse events were mild and comparable between the groups. Conclusion: tDCS demonstrated significant short-term pain relief in patients with chronic intractable peripheral neuropathic pain. However, larger studies with longer follow-up periods are required to validate its long-term efficacy.