Occipital Nerve (C2) Stimulation in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia

A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study to Examine the Efficacy of Greater Occipital Nerve (C2) Stimulation in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia

The study is designed as a prospective, randomized, double-blind, single center study with a 6 month duration post permanent system implantation. Forty patients will be implanted.

During trial stimulation, patients will be randomized into one of two study arms for two weeks. Crossover will occur at the 2 week study visit to the opposite group. After completion of these two arms, every patient will subsequently complete participation in the third study arm.

After completion of the third arm, patients will be evaluated to determine if they are a positive responder responder. If so, the patient will have the option of obtaining the permanent implant.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients able to provide informed consent to participate in the study;
2. Patient has had chronic widespread pain for at least 3 months in all 4 body quadrants;
3. Patient has at least 11 out of 18 tender points based on the tender points examination;
4. Patient has attempted "best" medical therapy and has tried and failed at least three documented medically supervised treatments (including, but not limited to drugs, physical therapy, acupuncture, etc.);
5. Patient medication has remained stable for at least 4 weeks prior to baseline data collection;
6. Psychological screening has been completed and the patient has been cleared by a psychologist as a suitable study candidate;
7. Patient agrees not to add or increase medication throughout the randomization trial period of the study;
8. Patient is willing to cooperate with the study requirements including compliance with the treatment regimen and completion of all office visits.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patient has current evidence of any psychiatric disorder, as documented by the DSM-IV-TR criteria with psychotic characteristics, (e.g. bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder);
2. Patient has been diagnosed with any disease mimicking the symptoms of the Fibromyalgia Syndrome (e.g. Epstein Barr, autoimmune diseases, etc.) that is not currently being treated or has not been stable for at least 6 months;
3. Patient is currently in active menopause;
4. Patient has been diagnosed with sleep apnea and is not currently involved in a treatment regime;
5. Patient has a history of substance abuse or substance dependency in the past 6 months prior to baseline data collection;
6. Patient currently participating in another clinical study;
7. Patient with demand-type cardiac pacemakers, an infusion pump or any implantable neurostimulator device;
8. Patient is likely to require an MRI evaluation in the future;
9. Patient is not willing to maintain current medication regimen;
10. Female candidates of child bearing potential who are pregnant (confirmed by positive urine/blood pregnancy test), not using adequate contraception as determined by the investigator, or nursing (lactating) a child.