Exploration of Parameters of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in Chronic Pain

Exploration of Parameters of tDCS in Chronic Pain Patients

The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) on subjects with chronic musculoskeletal pain. The investigators hypothesize that subjects will show a decrease in pain symptoms in the active anodal stimulation group when compared to sham stimulation.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Providing informed consent to participate in the study
2. 18 to 64 years old
3. Having chronic musculoskeletal pain (existing pain for more than 6 months with an average of at least 3 on a 0-10 VAS scale)
4. Pain resistant to common analgesics and medications for chronic pain such as Tylenol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Soma, Parafon Forte DCS, Zanaflex, and Codeine.
5. Must have the ability to feel pain as self reported

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnancy

2. Contraindications to tDCS

   • metal in the head
   • implanted brain medical devices

3. History of alcohol or drug abuse within the past 6 months as self reported

4. Use of carbamazepine within the past 6 months as self reported.

5. Severe depression (with a score of >30 in the Beck Depression Inventory)

6. History of neurological disorders as self reported.

7. History of unexplained fainting spells as self reported,

8. History of head injury resulting in more than a momentary loss of consciousness as self reported

9. History of neurosurgery as self reported