Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Opioid Analgesia Impacts on Neurological Development

This research study aims to understand how pain and certain pain medicines, called opioids, might affect brain activity in children. Opioids are strong pain relievers often given for injuries like broken bones or for conditions like scoliosis. While they help with pain, some research suggests they could influence brain development during important growth periods. We are inviting children aged 7-12 who have recently had an injury or surgery where they received opioids. Participants will have a child-friendly brain scan, which is like wearing a special helmet, to measure brain activity during rest and when they experience different sensations. We'll also ask them to complete some simple questionnaires. The goal is to compare brain patterns in children with different pain experiences and opioid use to see if there's a link to pain levels or how they're feeling emotionally.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Nottingham

Enrolment target

Start

01 Sep 2026

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2026

Fracture Scoliosis Idiopathic Adolescent Traumatic Injury Adolescent Dislocation

What is this study about?

When children experience pain, whether from an injury like a broken bone or from a longer-term condition such as scoliosis (curvature of the spine), they often receive strong pain medicines called opioids. These medicines are very effective at reducing pain. However, some newer research has started to suggest that using these types of medicines during key stages of a child's growth might affect how their brain develops.

This study wants to explore this idea further. We aim to understand how different types of pain, along with the use of opioid medicines, might impact brain activity in children. To do this, we use a special brain scanning technique called OPM-MEG. It's a very child-friendly method, often described as being like wearing a bicycle helmet, which safely measures brain activity.

Our main goals are twofold: firstly, to compare brain activity patterns in different parts of the brain among children who have had various pain experiences and different amounts of opioid medicine. Secondly, we want to see if there's a connection between these brain activity patterns and things like how much pain a child reports, how sensitive they are to pain, and how they are feeling emotionally, such as any signs of stress or worry. By understanding these links better, we hope to improve how we manage pain in children in the future.

Key takeaways

This study explores how pain and opioid medicines affect children's brains.
It involves a single, child-friendly brain scan (OPM-MEG) and questionnaires.
Children aged 7-12 who recently had an injury and received opioids may be eligible.
The scan is safe, similar to wearing a helmet, and uses no radiation.
The research aims to improve future pain management for children.
Participation is voluntary and will not affect your child's medical care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for children aged between 7 and 12 years old. To be able to take part, your child must have recently – within the last eight weeks – experienced an injury like a broken bone or a traumatic injury, or had surgery for something like scoliosis, where they were given opioid medicines by their medical team. Also, a parent or guardian must be able to give their informed consent for the child to participate.

There are some reasons why a child might not be able to join the study. These include having certain serious or uncontrolled medical or mental health conditions, epilepsy, or cerebral palsy. Children also can't take part if they have taken opioid medication in the last 7 days before the study visit, or if they, or their parent/guardian, have difficulty understanding spoken or written English well enough to follow the study instructions.

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.

Is your child aged between 7 and 12 years old?
Has your child had an injury (like a broken bone) or surgery (like for scoliosis) within the last 8 weeks?
Did your child receive strong pain medicines (opioids) from their doctors for this condition?
Does your child NOT have epilepsy or cerebral palsy?
Has your child NOT taken opioid medicine in the last 7 days?
Can you, as a parent or guardian, understand English well enough to give permission and follow instructions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your child takes part, they will need to attend a single visit, which will last about 1 to 1.5 hours. This visit can be arranged on the same day as a routine check-up at the orthopaedics clinic or at another time that suits you. Before this main visit, your child's parent or guardian will be asked to fill in some questionnaires at home, which should take about 20-30 minutes.

During the study visit at the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre (SPMIC) at the University of Nottingham, your child will have their brain activity recorded using a special OPM-MEG scanner. This involves wearing a comfortable helmet, similar to a bicycle helmet, while the machine measures brain activity during rest and in response to different gentle sensations. Your child will also be asked to complete a few more simple questionnaires during this visit.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help us learn more about how pain and pain medicines affect children's brains, which could lead to better pain management for children in the future. There are no direct medical benefits for your child from taking part. The brain scan (OPM-MEG) is very safe and does not involve radiation. The main inconvenience is the time commitment for the visit and completing questionnaires. All information collected will be kept confidential. You are free to withdraw your child from the study at any time, for any reason, without affecting their medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Nottingham
Verified postcode
Nottingham, United Kingdom

Common questions

What are opioids?

Opioids are strong pain-relieving medicines, often used after injuries or operations to help manage severe pain. Examples include morphine or codeine.

What is an OPM-MEG scan?

It's a special type of brain scan that measures the tiny electrical signals your brain makes. It's very safe, doesn't use radiation, and involves wearing a comfortable helmet, like a bicycle helmet.

Will my child be exposed to radiation?

No, the OPM-MEG scan does not use any radiation, so it's a very safe method to look at brain activity.

How long will the study take?

There's one main visit that lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours. Before that, parents will fill in some forms at home, taking about 20-30 minutes.

Can I stay with my child during the scan?

The information provided suggests that children will attend the centre for the scan. Details about parent presence during the scan itself would be provided in the participant information sheet from the research team.

How to find out more

Stephanie Smith, BSc (Hons), MRes, PhD, PGCHE

stephanie.smith2@nottingham.ac.uk +44115 823 1942 Official trial record

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