Central Sensitisation in Nociceptive and Neuropathic Pain

This study aims to investigate differences in central sensitization among patients with chronic nociceptive pain, neuropathic pain, and mixed pain conditions. Chronic pain is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon involving sensory, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral components, often sustained by mechanisms of central sensitization that contribute to pain persistence and treatment resistance. Using a multidimensional assessment approach, the study integrates self-report questionnaires, neuropsychological evaluation, psychological measures, treatment adherence assessment, and neurophysiological investigation through laser-evoked potentials (LEP). Participants will be evaluated at baseline and after 12 months to explore differences between pain types and longitudinal changes in central sensitization, cognitive functioning, emotional status, and engagement with treatment. The findings are expected to improve the understanding of neurobiological and psychosocial mechanisms underlying different chronic pain phenotypes and to support more personalized and effective pain management strategies.

NCT Number	NCT07321080
Lead Sponsor	IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo
Conditions	Chronic Pain, Nociceptive Pain, Neuropathic Pain, Mixed Pain (Nociceptive and Neuropathic)
Enrollment	185 participants
Start Date	2025-12-15
Primary Completion	2027-12-15 (estimated)
Study Completion	2027-12-20 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-04-20