Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Rewiring the Brain-Immune Axis for Chronic Pain Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Psoriatic Arthritis

This research is investigating a new treatment for chronic pain in people with psoriatic arthritis, even when their joint inflammation is otherwise well-controlled. It focuses on using repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique. The study aims to understand if rTMS can gently 'rewire' a specific area of the brain (the Inferior Parietal Lobule) that seems to connect brain activity with the body's immune system. Previous small studies suggest this could reduce pain and change immune signals. This larger study will give rTMS for four weeks to see if it can provide significant, lasting pain relief and help normalise the immune system. The goal is to offer a new approach for people who still suffer from pain despite current treatments.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Enrolment target

Start

01 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

28 Mar 2028

Psoriatic Arthritis

What is this study about?

If you have psoriatic arthritis, you know that managing pain can be a challenge, even when your joints aren't as swollen or inflamed. For some people, pain continues despite their current treatments effectively controlling the inflammation. This study looks into why this might happen and explores a new approach to ease that persistent pain.

The researchers believe that in some cases, long-lasting pain might involve a 'miscommunication' between the brain and the immune system. There's a specific area in the brain, called the Inferior Parietal Lobule (IPL), that appears to play a role in both how we feel pain and how our immune system works. When this area isn't working quite right, it might contribute to ongoing pain and even affect the body's immune responses.

This study aims to investigate whether a gentle brain stimulation technique, called repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), can help. rTMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain. The idea is that by stimulating the IPL, it might be possible to 'reset' this communication pathway, leading to less pain and a more balanced immune system. The hope is to find a new way to help people with psoriatic arthritis who continue to experience pain even when their joint inflammation is under control.

Key takeaways

This study explores a new, non-drug treatment for chronic pain in psoriatic arthritis.
It uses brain stimulation (rTMS) to target links between the brain and immune system.
The therapy aims to reduce pain and potentially 're-balance' immune responses.
You must have psoriatic arthritis, ongoing pain, and stable current medications to participate.
All participants receive either active or control rTMS over 4 weeks.
Participation involves brain scans (MRI) and blood tests.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged between 18 and 75 who have been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. To take part, you should have generally low disease activity, meaning not many actively swollen joints, but you must still be experiencing chronic pain that has lasted for at least three months.

Your current medication for psoriatic arthritis needs to have been stable for at least three months, and you must be willing to continue with it throughout the study period. You should also be able to safely undergo MRI scans and TMS procedures.

There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For instance, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have severe claustrophobia that would prevent an MRI, or have metal implants or a pacemaker that makes MRI unsafe. Other reasons include a history of seizures, serious infections, or certain major neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 75 years old?
Do you have a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis?
Do you have persistent pain that has lasted at least 3 months, even if your joints aren't very inflamed?
Has your current psoriatic arthritis medication been stable for at least 3 months?
Are you able to safely have an MRI scan and brain stimulation procedures?
Are you NOT pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you choose to take part in this study, you will receive either the active repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) or a control (inactive) rTMS. You won't know which one you are receiving. The rTMS treatment will involve regular sessions over a period of 4 weeks.

Throughout the study, you will have several visits for assessments. These will include questionnaires to measure your pain levels and general well-being, as well as blood tests to look at immune markers. You will also have MRI scans to look at your brain. You will continue to take your regular psoriatic arthritis medication as prescribed.

We don't have the exact number of visits or total duration, but generally, studies like this involve weekly visits for the treatment period and then follow-up assessments for several weeks or months afterwards. All procedures will be carefully explained to you, and your comfort and safety will be a priority.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in a clinical trial has potential benefits and risks. You might benefit from a new treatment that could help reduce your pain, even if it's not guaranteed. You would also be contributing to medical research that could help many other people with psoriatic arthritis in the future. Potential risks related to rTMS are generally mild and temporary, such as a slight headache or discomfort at the stimulation site. MRI scans are usually safe but can be uncomfortable for people with claustrophobia. You will receive very detailed information about any potential risks before you decide to join. Remember, participation is always voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
Verified postcode
Glasgow, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is rTMS?

rTMS, or repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is a way to gently stimulate specific parts of the brain using magnetic pulses. It's non-invasive, meaning it doesn't involve surgery or injections.

Will I know if I'm getting the real treatment or a fake one?

No, this study is 'blinded,' meaning neither you nor the research team will know if you're receiving the active rTMS or the control (inactive) rTMS. This helps ensure fair and accurate results.

How long will the treatment last?

The rTMS treatment itself will be given over a period of 4 weeks. The overall study participation, including assessments before and after, might be longer.

Do I need to stop my current medication?

No, you must continue your current psoriatic arthritis medication, and it needs to have been stable for at least 3 months before joining the study.

Is rTMS painful?

Most people find rTMS tolerable. You might feel a tapping sensation on your scalp where the magnetic coil is placed, and some people experience mild, temporary headaches.

How to find out more

Maxine Arnott, BSc

maxine.arnott@glasgow.ac.uk 07890 059695 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.