Clinical Research Directory

Botulinum Toxin Type A Versus Local Anesthetic Injection for Chronic Neuroma Pain After Combat-Related Amputation

Patients with combat-related amputations frequently experience persistent neuroma pain that may interfere with rehabilitation, prosthesis use, sleep, mobility, and quality of life. Current treatment options often provide only temporary relief. This study aims to compare two ultrasound-guided injection approaches for chronic neuroma pain after combat-related amputation: botulinum toxin type A and local anesthetic injection. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of the two treatments. Pain intensity, neuropathic pain symptoms, phantom limb pain, prosthesis tolerance, and functional outcomes will be evaluated during follow-up visits over a 24-week period. The goal of the study is to determine whether botulinum toxin type A provides longer-lasting pain reduction and improved functional recovery compared with local anesthetic injection in patients with chronic neuroma pain after combat-related amputation.

Brain Connectivity Analysis

Stroke remains the leading cause of permanent disability. The neuromodulation technique of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) has the potential to serve as an adjuvant therapy to enhance neuronal connectivity following stroke. By combining electroencephalography (EEG) and tDCS, this study aims to investigate changes in network connectivity and cerebral plasticity, which are key factors in functional recovery after stroke. The objectives are to: 1) analyze how tDCS modulates neuronal activity, 2) evaluate persistent effects in follow-up assessments, and 3) predict patient outcomes. Studies on human subjects will be complemented by research in a mouse model of stroke to: 1) identify the molecular mechanisms underlying tDCS effects on functional recovery, 2) establish correlations among functional, molecular, and connectivity indices, and 3) assess the efficacy of biomimetic nanoparticles in targeting injured brain tissue to reduce inflammation, enhance neuronal plasticity, and support functional recovery.