Effects of taVNS on Fibromyalgia Pain
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Summary
Transauricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a newer delivery system, using a non-invasive stimulation device placed at the ear's concha. TaVNS is a portable, safe, and low-cost intervention, and according to some studies, taVNS may influence nociception and pain perception, which can lead to potential applications for various painful illnesses, including fibromyalgia (FM). This trial aims to investigate the clinical effects of taVNS on pain control in FM subjects.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Older than 18 years old. 2. Diagnosis of FM pain according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2010 criteria (existing pain for more than six months with an average of at least 3 on a 0-10 VAS scale). 3. must have the ability to feel sensation by Von-Frey fiber on the forearm. 4. Able to provide informed consent to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Subjects who have unstable medical conditions (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, uncompensated cardiac issues, heart failure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or who have functional deficits, as…
Interventions
- DeviceTransauricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS)
Transauricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a simple technique in which small surface electrodes are placed over the skin of the ear that are thought to be innervated by the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN).
Location
- Spaulding Hospital CambridgeCambridge, Massachusetts