Transcranial electrical stimulation for noninvasive study of pain circuits in patients with chronic pain

STUDY BASICS

Do you have fibromyalgia? You may be eligible for a research study to explore the brain’s pain circuits through transcranial electrical stimulation by stimulating the brain. Compensation is provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

The research aims to explore the brain’s pain circuits through transcranial electrical stimulation by stimulating the brain. This study will examine movements and sensory perceptions (pain) affected by electrical stimulation of the brain using current levels that are commonly used in published research studies.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Between 18 and 65 years of age
• A formal diagnosis of fibromyalgia made by a practicing physician

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

• If you agree to participate, you will complete screening surveys about your mental and physical health, provide medical history and demographics, and complete sensory testing during noninvasive brain measurements using low-intensity light and your brain’s natural electrical signals.
• If, after the screening, you qualify for the study, you will return to the lab for brain stimulation through electrodes placed on your scalp, and administration of thermal pain through thermodes placed on your limbs.
• The screening will take approximately 2-3 hours in the lab. Other study visits will take up to 5 hours in the lab. You may be invited for up to 15 sessions over 3-4 weeks with a 2-3 hour final visit after that.