Individualised Cryoneurolysis to Treat Pain in the Context of Spasticity in the Upper and Lower Extremities
Individualised Cryoneurolysis to Treat Pain in the Context of Spasticity in the Upper and Lower Extremities (ICE): a Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust
50 participants
Dec 2, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
Spasticity is an umbrella term for impairments of muscle tone and control in people with damage to the brain and spinal cord. It is highly prevalent and results in pain, stiffness, and contribute to difficulties in activities of daily living. Current treatment options are limited, and many people experience only partial reduction in spasticity and frequent repeated treatments are needed. Cryoneurolysis is a medical technique which involves the controlled freezing of the nerves. It has been approved in the UK for the treatment of pain in the context of spasticity through the targeting of nerves which control problematic muscles. Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been offering this treatment routinely since January 2024. This pilot study aims to improve the understanding of the potential effectiveness of this treatment and its potential side effects when compared with a more commonly used treatment (Botulinum Toxin). Participants will be randomly allocated to receive usual care with Botulinum Toxin (control group) or usual care with Cryoneurolysis (intervention group). The investigators will assess pain, goal attainment, side effects, spasticity, disability and independence in daily activities, and movement of the arm and leg. Assessments will be at baseline and then 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-weeks following treatment. Participants who are randomised to the control group will have the opportunity to receive cryoneurolysis treatment after the 12 week follow up assessment. The results of this study will help to guide future studies to examine the effectiveness of this treatment.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria5
- Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the trial OR a positive opinion from a consultee is provided by a family member or carer (relative or friend) willing to provide personal consultee (PC) advice.
- Male or Female, aged 18 years or above.
- Diagnosed with a central neurological condition, including acquired brain injury (e.g. from ischaemic stroke, trauma, or haemorrhage), multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury.
- Clinical indication for Botulinum Toxin and Cryoneurolysis treatment, including pain associated with spasticity and with a clinically meaningful response to diagnostic nerve block to specific nerves or nerve branches that can be treated with cryoneurolysis.
- At least one rehabilitation goal related to management of pain resulting from spasticity.
Exclusion Criteria11
- Participant has received Botulinum toxin or cryoneurolysis within the last 90 days.
- Raynaud's syndrome.
- Cryoglobulinaemia.
- Cold urticaria.
- Bleeding disorders.
- Localised infection at intended treatment site.
- Planned oral antispasmodic medication dose changes.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy in the trial period.
- Scheduled elective surgery or other procedures requiring general anaesthesia during the trial.
- Any other significant disease or disorder which, in the opinion of the Investigator, may either put the participants at risk because of participation in the trial, or may influence the result of the trial, or the participant's ability to participate in the trial.
- Participants who are currently enrolled in another trial may be excluded if it is deemed (in the investigator's opinion) that participation could influence the results for either study.
Interventions
Nerves that require treatment, and the number of treatments required for each nerve will be identified by routine clinical judgement. Nerve targets are identified using an ultrasound machine. The handheld Iovera cryoneurolysis device will be used for treatment. Participants will receive up to 4 treatments of cryoneurolysis for each nerve or nerve branch that requires treatment. It is anticipated that participants will have between 1 and 5 nerves or nerve branches per limb treated. Each Cryoneurolysis treatment takes 110 seconds. Total treatment time will be determined by number of nerves targeted and number of cryoneurolysis treatments per nerve. The shortest duration, with setup, is likely to be 60 minutes and the longest 120 minutes.
Muscles that require treatment with Botulinum Toxin will be identified by routine clinical assessment. Muscle targets will be identified using an ultrasound machine. It is anticipated that participants will have between 2 and 8 muscles identified for target. The participant will receive up to 200 units of Xeomin (Botulinum Toxin) per muscle that requires treatment. Treatment session of Botulinum Toxin will take 60 to 90 minutes.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT07303582