Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and the Development of Ongoing Muscle Pain

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and the Development of Ongoing Muscle Pain

The main purpose of the study is to assess the mechanisms of repeated sessions of repetitive trancranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied on left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on the development of pain in a prolonged muscle pain model.

This study aims to investigate whether i) rTMS of left DLPFC will reduce the severity and duration of experimentally induced muscle pain when a 5-day course of treatment is given immediately following an initial nerve growth factor (NGF) injection; ii) the analgesic effects of left DLPFC rTMS will be related to an improved cognitive network function as assessed by electroencephalography (EEG).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy men and women
• Speak and understand English.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy
• Drug addiction defined as the use of cannabis, opioids or other drugs
• Previous neurologic, musculoskeletal or mental illnesses
• Lack of ability to cooperate
• History of chronic pain or current acute pain
• Previous experience with rTMS
• Contraindications to rTMS application (history of epilepsy, metal in the head or jaw etc.).
• Failure to pass the "TASS questionnaire" (TASS = Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Adult Safety Screen)