Deep Brain Stimulation for Refractory Trigeminal Neuralgia with a Pontine Lesion
Recruiting now Phase 1 NCT05451251
Run by Université de Sherbrooke · for 18 and older · All sexes
What this study is about
The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of deep brain stimulation for refractory trigeminal neuralgia due to a pontine lesion, as is usually seen in the context of multiple sclerosis. These patients usually have severe intractable facial pain and current medical and surgical options generally fail to achieve long lasting pain relief. Hoping to improve pain control in this population, the investigators of this trial propose a novel technique consisting of implanting a deep brain stimulation lead within the pontine lesion to modulate the generation of pain signals.
Who can join (things the study team will check)
✅ You may be able to join if…
- Adults of at least 18 years old
- Refractory trigeminal neuralgia : failure of at least 3 drugs and at least two lesioning surgical interventions (radiosurgery, percutaneous rhizotomy, or open rhizotomy).
- Pontine lesion proved by MRI in contact with trigeminal nerve tract
🚫 You may not be able to join if…
- Absolute contraindication to MRI
- Medical contraindication to the procedure
Where this trial is running
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS), Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
Who to contact
Christian Iorio-Morin, MD, PhD, FRCS(C) · 819-346-1110 · Christian.Iorio-Morin@usherbrooke.ca
It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT05451251.
Verify everything on the official ClinicalTrials.gov record. Page updated July 2026.