Effects of Left and Bilateral Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Pain, Mood, and Autonomic Function in Female Fibromyalgia Patients

Effects of Left and Bilateral Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Pain, Mood, and Autonomic Function in Female Fibromyalgia Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aimed to examine the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on pain, depression, anxiety, functionality, and autonomic function in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).

primary hypothesis: TAVSS application is not an effective treatment for depression, physical limitation, functional disability, anxiety, pain and autonomic nerve system in female FMS patients.

secondary hypothesis: TAVSS application is an effective treatment for depression, physical limitation, functional disability, anxiety, pain and autonomic nerve system in female FMS patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female volunteer participants
• Aged 18-45 with regular menstrual cycles
• Diagnosed with FMS (Widespread Pain Index≥ 17
• Symptom Severity Scale≥ 21) according to the 2013 ACR diagnostic criteria by a specialist physician.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Neurological deficits,
• Diabetes
• Neuropathic disorders
• Chronic inflammation
• Immune deficiencies
• Cardiac diseases
• Pregnancy
• Being in the perimenopausal or postmenopausal stages,
• Menstrual cycles of less than 28 days,
• Started new medication within the last 3 months,
• Modifications to their existing treatment apart from taVNS.