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

STUDY BASICS

Do you have fibromyalgia? Want to help pain science? You may be eligible for a research study examining the effects of noninvasive electrical stimulation of the brain on perceived pain. Participants may be asked to attend up to 27 sessions (2 at Pitt and 25 at CMU). Compensation is provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

The purpose of the study is to determine which waveforms and electrode locations affect pain perception.  The results from this study will help guide the development of electrical stimulation to be used for treating acute and chronic pain.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Are 18 years old or older
• Have a formal diagnosis of fibromyalgia made by a practicing physician
• Are not pregnant
• Have no implanted metal or electronic devices
• Have no neurological, heart, or muscle disorders

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.
• 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 25 sessions over 5 weeks with a 2-3 hour final visit after that.
• Participants will receive compensation for each session