Influence of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of the Primary Motor Cortex on Pain Sensation in Patients Suffering From Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Influence of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of the Primary Motor Cortex on Pain Sensation in Patients Suffering From Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Fibromyalgia is a common chronic pain syndrome characterized by bad treatable chronic widespread pain present at a similar level for at least 3 months. The aim of this study is to examine if 3 weeks of transcranial direct current stimulation is a suitable therapy to reduce chronic pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who have an established diagnosis of fibromyalgia according to the 1990 criteria of the "American College of Rheumatology"
• Symptoms have been present at a similar level for at least 3 months
• Stable medication for at least 2 months
• visual analog scale ≥ 3 (0=no pain; 10=worst possible pain)
• The patient does not have a disorder that would otherwise explain the pain

Exclusion Criteria:

• Alcohol/substance abuse
• Pregnancy
• Neuropsychiatric disorders
• Metal implants near stimulation area
• Cardiac pace maker
• Local injuries
• Inflammatory rheumatic disease
• Acute tumor
• Acute fracture
• Well-defined neuropathic induced pain